Award Notice

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is soliciting lease proposals for office and scientific support space in Hunt Valley, Maryland, within a defined boundary bounded by East Belfast Road, Warren Road, York Road, and Interstate 83. The required space must range between 3,000 and 3,300 assignable square feet and include four surface parking spaces, with no structured or reserved parking. The lease term may extend up to 20 years, with a firm commitment of up to five years and no option term. The space must meet strict government standards for fire safety, accessibility, seismic resilience, and sustainability, and must not be located within the 1-percent-annual chance floodplain. A fully serviced lease is required, encompassing all operational costs, building shell, tenant improvements, and infrastructure including a 66-square-foot server room with humidity and temperature control and sound-dampening walls and ceilings. Telecommunications and equipment must comply with Section 889 of the FY19 NDAA, prohibiting the use of certain covered telecommunications services and equipment. The facility is designated as Facility Security Level I, mandating access controls, personnel identity verification under GSAR 552.204-9, and protection of critical areas housing mission-sensitive systems. All proposals must be submitted by June 10, 2026, using prescribed forms including GSA Form 1364 and GSA Form 1217, and must be signed with all changes initialed. Offerors must maintain active registration in SAM.gov throughout the contract term and provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier. The Government will award the lease to the responsible offeror with the lowest priced technically acceptable proposal, applying a price evaluation preference for HUBZone small business concerns if not waived. Pricing includes firm annual rates for shell rent, operating costs, tenant improvements, building-specific amortized capital, and parking, all subject to annual federal appropriations. Compliance with FAR and GSAR clauses is mandatory, including safeguarding information systems, reporting executive compensation, small business subcontracting requirements for contracts exceeding $750,000, and adherence to environmental standards for indoor air quality, radon, hazardous materials, and mold. The building must be constructed or renovated by licensed professionals using formaldehyde-free materials compliant with TSCA Title VI, and all telecommunications infrastructure must meet TIA, EIA, and NFPA standards. Final occupancy is expected by January 1,