Technical Review of Appraisals

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format prescribed in Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-27. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Louisiana intends to award multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA's) to small business sources capable of providing technical reviews of appraisals for conservation easements. This is a Total Small Business Set Aside. The applicable NAICS code is 531320, with a business size standard of $2.0M. The contractor shall furnish all appraisal services according to the specifications incorporated with this solicitation. The technical review appraiser must be a State Certified General Real Property Appraiser in good standing. The technical reviews must be completed in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and supplemental instructions as provided by the NRCS. The NRCS envisions entering into Multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA's) with qualified offerors capable of providing technical reviews of appraisals. A BPA is a method of filling anticipated needs. It is not a contract. The Government is not obligated to place any orders nor is the vendor obligated to accept any orders. For each work assignment, the Government will request technical reviews through the issuance of a BPA call order from those firms that have been awarded BPA's. Individual call orders shall be submitted in accordance with the terms agreed to in the BPA's. Government personnel authorized to place call orders under the BPA will be identified on the BPA's by name and telephone number. The contractor will be expected to furnish the services in accordance with the terms and conditions of the BPA, without the need for additional paperwork beyond the Statement of Work that accompanies the order. Timely delivery of complete and accurate technical review reports is crucial to the success of NRCS programs. Call orders are to be completed within 14 days of the call order date. If the contractor is unable to provide the technical review report within the 14 day period, NRCS is to be notified; otherwise, it is expected to receive the technical review report within 14 business days. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Technical review services are being sought for a period of five years with a contract period of March 1, 2009 to September 30, 2014. The BPA will remain in effect until cancelled by either party. STANDARDS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1) Must be a State Certified General Appraiser in good standing; 2) The technical reviewer must have demonstrated competency in compliance with USPAP in conducting technical reviews. A copy of the technical reviewer's state license or practice permit shall be submitted at the time of bid submission. If the contractor elects to sub-contract the technical review work, the sub-contractor must also be a State Certified General Real Property Appraiser. Proof of the sub-contractor's qualifications and license must be supplied at the time of bid submission. The provisions of FAR 212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items applies to this acquisition. Offerors must submit a completed copy of the provisions of FAR 52.212-3- Offerors Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items with their offer. In addition, the provisions of FAR 52.212-4 - Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items and FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items applies to this solicitation and are attached. EVALUATION PROCEDURES: The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: 1. Technical Capacity - a narrative of the offeror's technical ability to provide personnel with education and work experience to perform the work described in the Statement of Work. Ability to perform in a timely manner and in compliance with the performance schedules and quality of work. Ability to perform simultaneously on multiple services. 2. Price - each ite noted in the attached schedule. 3. Past Performance - Past experience in performing the work described in the Statement of Work, as well as experience in the area proposed. Past performance ratings demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction and timely delivery of quality services at fair and reasonable prices. This may include a list of references and letters of recommendation with company seal or logo may be submitted for evaluation purposes. Technical and past performance when combined are, equal to price. CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION: All contractors must be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) to be awarded a BPA. You may register easily and quickly online at www.ccr.gov or +1 (555) 000-0000. 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 & Bradstreet (D&B). To request a DUNS number call D&B at the toll free number +1 (555) 000-0000 or register online at http://www.dnb.com/ccr/register.html. Obtaining a DUNS number through this process is free of charge. It is advised that you begin this process as soon as possible since it can take several days to complete. Failure to register of close of business on the third day after notification of possible award by the Contracting Officer, may cause rejection of your offer. Interested Contractors wishing to enter into a BPA should reply in writing to the Contracting Officer listed below no later than Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. Offers should be addressed to the following: United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Louisiana State Office ATTN: Vicki L. Supler, Contracting Officer 3737 Government Street Alexandria, LA 71302 Place the solicitation number in the upper left corner of the envelope. Offerors must submit the following to the address noted above: 1. Contractor's Name, Address, Phone, Fax, Email and DUNS Number; 2. Return the completed "Schedule" specifying pricing for technical reviews; 3. Provide qualification information and licensing information on key personnel expected to perform the work under the BPA. This information should include years of experience, types of technical reviews and experience in the areas proposed.