Z -- A-76 Study Result

A study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of outsourcing the building and grounds maintenance work at the Gifford Pinchot National Forest under the USDA-Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region. This involved an assessment of 7.84 full-time equivalents in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-76, with some allowed deviations from the standard guidelines. The initial decision made on September 29, 2003, recommended contracting out the work to commercial sources based on the study’s findings. However, when a subsequent solicitation failed to produce pricing lower than the cost of government performance, the decision was reversed, and the work was designated to be performed by in-house government employees. The contracting activity took place under the Pacific Northwest Regional Office of the Department of Agriculture, with the office located in Portland, Oregon. The solicitation referenced is known as "Z -- A-76 Study Result" with a solicitation number Reference-Number-R6-04H1-CS-28+037628, posted in January 2004. The contract pertains specifically to the maintenance work for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest but did not result in a commercial contract award due to cost considerations favoring internal performance.