Z -- A-76 Study Result

The contract pertains to an evaluation conducted by the Pacific Northwest Region/Station of the USDA-Forest Service concerning the maintenance of certified water and wastewater systems for national forests in Western Washington. This evaluation involved 1.60 full-time equivalents and was carried out in compliance with OMB Circular No. A-76, which governs the competition between government and private sources for commercial activities, allowing for specific deviations. Following the study, the final decision made on September 29, 2003, was to retain the performance of these maintenance services in-house rather than outsourcing. The contract falls under the jurisdiction of the Pacific Northwest Regional Office of the Department of Agriculture, located in Portland, Oregon. Although no specific solicitation number, type of set-aside, or NAICS code is provided, the action clearly reflects an internal administrative review and decision-making process rather than a procurement solicitation. The overall focus was on ensuring that water and wastewater systems maintenance services continue to be handled by government personnel, maintaining control and oversight within the USDA-Forest Service for the national forests of Western Washington.