RFI-Responses_2.docx

This is a Response to Request for Information (RFI) regarding pricing structure for support services under solicitation 1232SA26Q0152 for Generator Annual Reliability Assessment and Load Bank Verification at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. The respondent raises a concern about the cost-effectiveness of pricing support services in small time increments, noting that travel costs to perform 1-2 hours of work would be equivalent to performing 8 hours. The respondent seeks clarification on the minimum block of time the government will use for support services under scope of work item 3.3.1.1.1, subsection 2, and indicates their intention to price support services in 4-hour blocks.

This RFI response highlights a pricing efficiency issue relevant to the base year and four one-year option periods of this small business set-aside contract. The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service solicitation seeks annual reliability assessment and load bank verification services for emergency generators, with the NAICS code 561210 and a small business size standard of $47 million. The clarification on minimum billable time blocks is critical for contractors to develop realistic cost proposals that account for travel expenses and labor efficiency.