Y -- Construction of the new Animal Holding Facility (AHF), Marshfield, Wisconsin

Pre-Solicitation Notice: The Government intends to issue an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for construction of the Animal Holding Facility (AHF) in Marshfield, Wisconsin. THIS SOLICITATION IS AN 8(A) COMPETITIVE SET ASIDE. PROJECT SUMMARY: The Animal Holding Facility includes the construction of a 38,720 sq ft one-story heifer free stall barn as part of a dairy complex (Building I); the construction of a 18,624 sq ft one-story lactating cow free stall barn as part of a dairy complex (Building J); the construction of a 4,750 sq ft milking center with a 655 sq ft basement, a 624 sq ft nutrient collection area, a 1,611 sq ft nutrient collection area, milking parlor equipment and enclosed connecting corridors as part of a dairy complex (Building K); the construction of a waste management system including: solid-liquid separator, sand-manure separator, two treatment lagoons - approximately 1 1/2 acres, and mechanical scrape system over concrete slabs on grade in the heifer freestall barn(Building l) with separate collection basins for each quadrant of the barn for a total of four individual collection pits; Add Alternate 1: the construction of a 1,976 sq ft one-story animal health facility as part of a dairy complex (Building F); Add Alternate 2: a 33,000 sq ft portion of the 6" thick concrete feed pad and incidental related site work. Site work includes grading and all utilities. The work pertaining to the Animal Holding Facility is located in Stratford, WI, north of the campus of the current Marshfield Agricultural Research Station in Marshfield, WI. The project completion time is 300 days after notice to proceed. The estimated price range is between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000 dollars. The NAICS Code is 236220, with a size standard of $31 million. A bid bond will be required. A Performance and Payment Bonds will be required by the successful bidder. Plans and Specifications will be available for purchase on or about January 12, 2007, for a NON-REFUNDABLE FEE of $425.00. The written request and the check or money order MUST BE SENT TO: USDA, ARS, FD, Facilities Contracts Branch, Attn: Jessica McDonagh, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mail Stop 5124, Beltsville, Maryland 20705. The checks or money orders are non-refundable and shall be made payable to: USDA, Agricultural Research Service. Cash, credit cards, and two party checks will not be accepted. TELEPHONE, ELECTRONIC, OR FACSMILIE REQUESTS FOR THE SOLICIATION PACKAGE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. A single pre-bid conference and site visit will be conducted in Marshfield, Wisconsin on or about February 22, 2007, at 9:30 am central time at UW-MARS, Auditorium, 8396 Yellowstone Drive, Marshfield, WI 54449. Attendance at the site visit is not mandatory, but it is strongly encouraged. Potential subcontractors are encouraged to attend the Pre-Bid Conference and provide copies of their business resumes to potential prime contractors for possible subcontracting opportunities. The Bid Opening will be held on or about March 1, 2007, 1:00 p.m. (central time) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Administrative Office, Attn: Jean Weinbrenner, 1925 Linden Drive West, Madison, Wisconsin 53706. Due to heightened security at Government buildings, bidders are encouraged to send their bids via overnight mail. If bids are sent via regular mail, please allow an additional five (5) days for mail scanning.