Z--A-76 Study Result

The contract involved an Express Study conducted by the USDA Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Region to evaluate the feasibility of outsourcing building and grounds maintenance services for the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, covering approximately 6.36 full-time equivalent positions. This study was carried out under the guidelines of OMB Circular No. A-76, allowing for certain deviations. Initially, on September 29, 2003, the decision was made to contract these services out commercially. However, after a subsequent solicitation failed to attract any quotes, the decision was reversed, and the work was continued to be performed by the agency’s in-house workforce. This contract was managed by the Pacific Northwest Regional Office of the Department of Agriculture, located in Portland, Oregon. The case underscores the challenges in outsourcing certain federal maintenance tasks when market interest is low or absent, leading to the retention of government personnel for these operations. The study and related decisions reflect a flexible approach to service delivery based on available commercial options and internal capacity.