Modernization of the Grassland, Soil, and Water Research Laboratory (GSWRL) in Temple, Texas.

The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, intends to issue a Two-Step Invitation for Bids (IFB) for the modernization of the Grassland, Soil, and Water Research Laboratory (GSWRL) in Temple, Texas. The GSWRL Modernization will be a Design-Bid-Build onstruction project using the Two-Step Sealed Bidding process as detailed in FAR 14.5. The USDA has developed a complete set of Construction Documents (plans and specifications) showing and describing the project's requirements. This solicitation will be a Total Small Business Set Aside. BACKGROUND: The mission of the current research program at GSWRL is to develop technology and solutions that increase efficient use of soil and water resources, enhance forage and crop production, and support sustainable agricultural production in healthy ecosystems. This mission is accomplished by research that enhances decision support tools for crop and forage production and watershed management, develop improved soil, water, and crop management techniques, develop sustainable crop, forage, and biofuel production systems, increase rangeland productivity and quality, and mitigate global change effects. The existing research facilities at Temple, and also at the satellite facility at Riesel, are approximately 40 years old and have exceed their service life. Numerous building deficiencies exist and must be addressed. The original lab spaces cannot effectively support modern research activities. The research programs housed therein would benefit greatly from the modernization efforts. NOTE: Modernization of the GSWRL Riesel satellite facility will be solicited separately under solicitation number 1232SA19B0004 REQUIREMENT: The project scope includes major remodeling of existing laboratory/office buildings and repair of existing greenhouses in an active research facility. Approximately 35,000 SF of administrative and laboratory space will need to be renovated including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection upgrades/ replacement. A greenhouse will be demolished and replaced by a research building addition of approximately 6,000 SF. GENERAL: The contract Period of Performance is approximately 630 calendar days (Base and all Optional Items) after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. The Magnitude of Construction is more than $10,000,000. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 236220 (Construction), with a Small Business Set Aside size standard of $36.5 million. The contract will be awarded, based on the Two-Step Sealed Bid process. The Contracting Officer will award a firm fixed price contract to the responsive and responsible Bidder, whom the Government determined had an "Acceptable" Step-One proposal, conforms to the solicitation, is fair and reasonable, and bids the lowest overall price. Bid Bonds are required. Performance and Payment Bonds will be required by the successful offeror. Step One of the solicitation documents will be available for viewing and downloading on FedBizOpps (www.fedbizopps.gov) on or about 26 August 2019. Plans and specifications, which will be made available to firms progressing to Step Two, will NOT be provided in hard paper copy. The solicitation and all amendments for the RFP will be posted on www.fbo.gov. Step One submissions are expected to be due on or about 24 September 2019. Submission dates and requirements will be contained in Solicitation Documents and updated via amendments posted on www.fbo.gov. This procurement requires the use of biobased products to the extent that such products are reasonably available, meet agency or relevant industry performance standards, and are reasonably priced. Where available, these products should first be acquired from among qualified products that fall under the umbrella of items designated through the USDA BioPreferred SM Program". It is the responsibility of the contractor to check www.fbo.gov frequently for any amendments or changes to the solicitation. The Government is not responsible for any loss of internet connectivity or for an offeror's inability to access the documents posted at the referenced website.