APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROPERTIES

This is a combined/synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). The Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Delaware State Office intends to award multiple IDIQ contracts to small business sources capable of providing real estate appraisals for conservation easements throughout the State of Delaware on behalf of the United States of America, acting by and through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The conservation easements will be for wetlands and farmland in accordance with the Wetlands Reserve Program and other Farm Bill programs. For planning purposes, there are expected to be approximately 8 appraisals to be completed in each contract year. Total delivery orders issued against each contract for all years can not exceed $100,000. The contractor will also be asked to submit pricing for time-sensitive delivery of services (less than 20 day turn-around) in addition to regular pricing. The NRCS intends to award an Indefinite Quantity/Indefinite Delivery (IDIQ) fixed-price contract to one or more small business sources capable of providing real estate appraisals for a base period of one year and two option years for a total of approximately three years. An IDIQ fixes a price for an appraisal, should it be ordered. It is anticipated that more than one contract may be awarded from the solicitation. The contractor is responsible for having a current knowledge of the requirements of state law in connection with real estate transactions and appraisals. Appraiser shall be a State Certified General Real Property Appraiser or obtain a state temporary practice permit and be in good standing with the licensing authority where the credential was issued. Appraisers must demonstrate competency in compliance with Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) in conducting appraisals of agricultural properties with and without conservation easements of the requested type. All appraisals completed for this program shall comply with USPAP, Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal land Acquisitions (UASFLA aka Yellow Book) and/or Supplemental Standards as issued by NRCS. Documentation of appraisal education courses attended such as eminent domain or conservation easements and UASFLA courses shall be provided by the Appraiser to the Contracting Officer. USDA NRCS is also seeking sources capable of providing technical appraisal reviews of appraisals done by other vendors within the state of Delaware. Review Appraisers shall be State Certified General Real Property Appraiser and be in good standing with the licensing authority where the credential is issued. All appraisals completed for this program shall comply with USPAP, Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal land Acquisitions (UASFLA aka Yellow Book) and/or Supplemental Standards as issued by NRCS. This is 100% set-aside for small-business. The associated NAICS code is 531320 and the small business size standard is $2.0 million in average annual receipts. The provisions at FAR 52.212-1 and 52.212-2 apply to this solicitation. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: (1) Technical Capacity. A narrative of the offeror's technical capability to meet the government's requirements and a resume listing the personal qualifications of the individuals who will be doing the work. In addition, provide documentation of appraisal education courses attended such as eminent domain or conservation easements and UASFLA course and at least 40 hours of training in conducting technical reviews if interest in performing review type work. (2) Past Performance. This may include descriptions of other similar work or related projects performed or currently being performed and a review of references provided. All contractors must register in the Central Contractor's Registration database at www.ccr.gov. The CCR Customer Assistance Center can be contacted toll free at: 1-888-227-2423. The first step to registering is to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, which is a unique nine-character identification number provided by the commercial company Dun and Bradstreet (D&B). To request a DUNS number, call D&B at the toll free number 1-866-705-5711 or register on-line at http://www.dnb.com/ccr/register.html. Obtaining a DUNS number through this process is free of charge. It's a good idea for anyone who is submitting a proposal to begin this process as soon as possible since it can take several days to complete. Failure to register by close of business on the third day after notification of possible award by the Contracting Officer, may cause rejection of your offer. Prospective contractors also must complete electronic annual representations and certifications at http://orca.bpn.gov in conjunction with required registration in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database. (see FAR 4.1102) Prospective contractors shall update the representations and certifications submitted to ORCA as necessary, but at least annually, to ensure they are kept current, accurate, and complete. All prospective contractors will be required to review all documents pertinent to the solicitation. All offerors that meet the qualifications in the attached Appraisal Specification will be considered for award. Award will be made to the responsible offeror(s) based on price. Since award will be based on initial responses, offerors are encouraged to offer the most advantageous pricing in their response.