C -- A-76 Commercial Activities Study for Soil Conservation Technician Services

This acquisition was previously announced under Classification R as Solicitation No. NRCS-13-AZ-03. A determination has been made that the studied services are subject to the Brooks Act, and the procedure for procurement of Architect-Engineering Services will be employed. The offerors are notified that this acquisition, which is being conducted in accordance with OMB Circular A-76, is being transitioned to a Streamlined Competition under the procedures of the Revised OMB Circular A-76, dated May 29, 2003. Certain deviations may be incorporated, as approved by OMB, for retention of the previous cost rules or procedures. Offerors are advised that a contract may not be awarded if the cost of contract performance is determined to be greater than the cost of in-house performance by Government personnel. The Soil Conservation Technician Services are currently provided by Government personnel. Major components of this work include: preparing and assisting in the preparation of formal conservation plans in accordance with the National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH), the Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG), and all associated manuals and handbooks that support these documents; preparing contracts for program funding, contract modifications, contract payment applications, and supporting documentation; performing conservation practice field investigations, surveys, design, construction layout, and final inspection of practice installation; documenting practice application according to policy and procedure; and coordinating activities with other federal, state, and local units of government and private groups and organizations. This solicitation will not be restricted to any group or business size. The NAICS Code is modified to 541330, Engineering Services. The formal notice requesting interested parties to submit their SF-254's and 255's will be posted on or about July 8, 2003 at www.fedbizopps.gov. The selection criteria for this acquisition are: (1) Professional Qualifications, (2) Specialized experience and technical competence, (3) Capacity to accomplish work in the required time, (4) Past Performance, (5) Location in the area and knowledge of the locality of project (work),and (6) Financial Capacity. The anticipated date for receipt of SF-254s and SF-255s is on or about August 7, 2003.