SAARF O&M Contract

Pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, the USDA Agricultural Research Service intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, with Four Seasons Environmental, Inc. a Six (6) month extension period for a Firm Fixed Price modification for extension of services, with a small IDIQ component. The acquisition is to provide uninterrupted contractor support services to meet the operational mission of South Atlantic Area Research Facilities (SAARF). Services shall be for facilities operations, maintenance and administrative support services at the SAARF in Georgia and Florida. The Contractor is required to provide services to maintain the facility in full support of the research mission. This bridge modification will allow enough time for the long term follow-on effort for the Operations and Maintenance Services requirement to be competed. By not awarding a modification to extend the period of performance on the bridge modification extension it would adversely impact the mission of the SAARF (In accordance with FAR 6.302(a)(2)). The contractor is required to provide services that include but are not limited to: Work Management, Administrative Services, Facilities Services and Utility Services for a period starting March 28 and ending September 30, 2013. The Contractor is also required to interface with other Contractors onsite. SAARF is comprised of three locations. Two locations Richard B. Russell Agricultural Research Center (RRC) and Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory (SEPL) are located adjacent to the University of Georgia and are adjoining. The Fort Pierce Location includes US Hoticultural Research Laboratory (USHRL) and Picos Research Farm. Mission: Ensure and improving safety of food and feed, improving quality and economic value of food, research emerging poultry borne diseases and food borne pathogens of people. Research on citrus, vegetables, and ornamentals. To that end, it is vital to the research mission of the SAARF that the incumbent continue to provide O&M support. This six (6) month bridge modification extension is necessary to allow for sufficient time to complete the re-competition procedures for a new follow on contract. No other offeror could immediately perform all of the required services within the necessary time frame and period of performance of six (6) months is a sufficient timeframe in which to transition a new contractor. Therefore, Four Seasons Environmental is uniquely qualified as the incumbent contractor to provide continuity of services to ARS. This notice is not a request for competitive bids, rather public notice as required to allow for a competitive follow-on Contract for the aforementioned service. Questions can be emailed Mark.Volk@ars.usda.gov. NAICS Code/Size is 561210. Point of Contact(s): Mark O. Volk, Contract Specialist, Fax 309-681-6618, Contracting Office Address: Eastern Business Service Center (EBSC) - Acquisitions, 1815 N. University, Peoria, IL 61604