C -- Notice of Intent Changing catagory R to Catagory C - A&E

The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Indiana is seeking qualified A&E firms or individuals to develop Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs). The work shall consist of providing a technical assistance to Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) participants for the development of these plans. A CNMP is a grouping of conservation practices and management activities for animal feeding operations (AFOs) which, when implemented as part of a conservation system, will help ensure that both production and natural resource protection goals are achieved. A CNMP incorporates practices to 1) Use animal manure, process wastewater and other organic by-products as a beneficial resource; 2) Address potential impacts of an AFO on natural resources, especially water and air quality; and 3) Assist an AFO owner/operator in meeting all applicable local, Tribal, State, and Federal water quality goals or regulations. NRCS has identified a need to develop up to 20 CNMPs for AFO facilities of EQIP program participants over the duration of this project. The facility locations are distributed throughout Indiana as shown below by counties: Allen, Decatur, Dubois, Hamilton, Knox, Kosciusko, Lake, Noble, Perry, Rush, Starke, and Switzerland. CNMPs shall be developed in accordance with all applicable NRCS policy and criteria which can be found at the following websites: NRCS Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning Technical Guidance: http://policy.nrcs.usda.gov/scripts/lpsiis.dll/H/H_180_600_E_5.htmNRCS Field Office Technical Guide: http://efotg.nrcs.usda.gov CNMP development will require knowledge of conservation planning; an understanding of agronomy, engineering, soil conservation and water management practices; and good communication skills. The respondents must be certified as a Technical Service Provider (TSP) for at least the 3 primary components of a CNMP, Manure and Wastewater Handling, Nutrient Management and Land Treatment or have the ability to subcontract with someone who holds the appropriate certifications. Details on certification as a TSP can be found at: http://techreg.usda.gov For more information about the technical requirements of this project please contact: Phil McLoud, Asst. State Conservationist, telephone: +1 (555) 000-0000 Ext: 348. Email address is: contact@example.gov Interested parties should submit 3 copies of their SF254 and SF255 to the Contracting Officer as well as any information that will assist the A&E Evaluation Board with their evaluation on the selection criteria. The selection criteria are: 1) Professional Qualifications, 2) Specialized experience and technical competence, 3) Capacity to accomplish work, 4) Past Performance, 5) Location in the area and knowledge of the project. Multiple contracts may be awarded as a result of this solicitation. More than one contract may be awarded within a watershed boundary. Each contract will be an IDIQ contract. When submitting a response to the notice, indicate which watershed(s) you would be interested in being considered. Projects will be ordered on an as-needed basis beginning from the date of contract award for a period not to exceed three years. Even though some watersheds have no anticipated CNMP development as indicated in the above quantities, future needs might result in projects located in those counties.