127EAX27Q0015.pdf

SOLICITATION, OFFER,

AND AWARD

2. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

6. PROJECT NO. 4. CONTRACT NO. 5. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO.

PAGE OF PAGES

7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO

SOLICITATION

(Construction, Alteration, or Repair)

1. SOLICITATION NO. 3. DATE ISSUED

IMPORTANT -- The "offer" section on the reverse must be fully completed by offeror.

9.

INFORMATION CALL

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code) (NO COLLECT CALLS)

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder."

FOR

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

1169848

USDA-FS CSA SOUTHWEST 7

333 BROADWAY BLVD SE

ALBUQUERQUE NM 87102-3498

7EAX

email only to:

Melissa Heckenlaible, Contract Specialist melissa.heckenlaible@usda.gov

MELISSA HECKENLAIBLE 304-715-2632

111/09/2026

127EAX27Q0015

INVITATION FOR BID

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

10. THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES PERFORMANCE OF THE WORK DESCRIBED IN THESE DOCUMENTS (Title, identifying no., date)

Commercial Construction Project

Electrical Upgrades at the Grant County Aerial Fire Base & Tanker Cache

Gila National Forest, New Mexico

Furnishing and installing a complete, code-compliant electrical distribution system to support a designated concrete pad area at the tanker base/fire cache, and the upgrade of an existing electrical/motor control panel serving the retardant pumping system.

A site visit will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2026. Refer to following pages for organized site visit details. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

Requests for Information shall be submitted via email to melissa.heckenlaible

@usda.gov no later than Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 12:00 PM Noon Mountain Time.

11. The Contractor shall begin performance within

12a. THE CONTRACTOR MUST FURNISH ANY REQUIRED PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS?

award, notice to proceed. The performance period is mandatory negotiable. (See ________________________________________________.)

13. ADDITIONAL SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS:

a. Sealed offers in original and is not required.is, b. An offer guarantee

c. All offers are subject to the (1) work requirements, and (2) other provisions and clauses incorporated in the solicitation in full text or by reference.

(date). If this is a sealed bid solicitation, offers will be publicly opened at that time. Sealed envelopes containing offers shall be marked to show the offeror's name and address, the solicitation number, and the date and time offers are due.

d. Offers providing less than

12b. CALENDAR DAYSYES NO

(If "YES", indicate within how many calendar days after award in Item 12b.)

10 21 calendar days and complete it within ________________ ________________ calendar days after receiving

12/11/2026

NSN 7540-01-155-3212

x x x x copies to perform the work required are due at the place specified in Item 8 by _____________ ___________________ (hour) local time calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and will be rejected . _________________

STANDARD FORM 1442 (Rev. 12/2022)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR(48 CFR) 53.236-1(d)

17. The offeror agrees to perform the work required at the prices specified below in strict accordance with the terms of this solicitation, if this offer is accepted by the Government in writing within ____________________ calendar days after the date offers are due. (Insert any number equal to or greater than the minimum requirement stated in item 13d. Failure to insert any number means the offeror accepts the minimum in item 13d.)

14. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Include ZIP Code) 15. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code)

16. REMITTANCE ADDRESS (Include only if different than item 14.)

CODE FACILITY CODE

AMOUNTS

18. The offeror agrees to furnish any required performance and payment bonds.

19. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation -- give number and date of each)

AMENDMENT NO.

DATE.

20a. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER (Type or print) 20b. SIGNATURE 20c. OFFER DATE

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

21. ITEMS ACCEPTED:

22. AMOUNT 23. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

24. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

ITEM 25. OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION PURSUANT TO THE UNITED STATES CODE AT

26. ADMINISTERED BY CODE 27. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL COMPLETE ITEM 28 OR 29 AS APPLICABLE

(Contractor is required to sign this document solicitation is hereby accepted as to the items listed. This award consummates the contract, which consists of (a) the Government solicitation and your offer, and (b) this contract award. No further contractual document is necessary.

30a. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTOR OR PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN (Type or print) 31a. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

30b. SIGNATURE 30c. DATE 31b. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 31c. DATE

BY

2PAGE OF

USDA-FS CSA SOUTHWEST 7

333 BROADWAY BLVD SE

ALBUQUERQUE NM 87102-3498

7EAX

TROY A. MCCULLOUGH

28. NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT 29. AWARD

and deliver all items or perform all work requirements identified on this form and any continuation sheets for the consideration stated in this contract. The rights and obligations of the parties to this contract shall be governed by (a) this contract award, (b) the solicitation, and (c) the clauses, representations,certifications, and specifications incorporated by reference in or attached to this contract.

copies to issuing office.) Contractor agrees to furnish

10 U.S.C. 3204(a) 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 12/2022) BACK

Continued...

and return

(Contractor is not required to sign this document.) Your offer on this

ITEM NO.

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

3 13

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

127EAX27Q0015

Delivery: 21 Days After Notice to Proceed

Delivery Location Code: 83J3

USDA FS GILA NATIONAL FOREST

SILVER CITY FIRE CACHE

PO BOX 931

HURLEY NM 88043-0931 US

Furnishing and installing a complete, code-compliant electrical distribution system to support a designated concrete pad area at the tanker base/fire cache, and the upgrade of an existing electrical/motor control panel serving the retardant pumping system.

Product/Service Code: Z2NZ

Product/Service Description: REPAIR OR ALTERATION

OF OTHER UTILITIES

IPP

Invoicing Instructions: The "Submit Invoice-to" address for USDA orders is the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). The contractor must follow the instructions on how to register and submit invoices via IPP as prescribed in the previous communications from USDA and Treasury.

All invoices are to be submitted via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform. This is a mandatory requirement initiated by the U.S.

Department of Treasury and you can find more information at this website https://www.ipp.gov/ index.htm.

Please make sure that your company has registered at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm to establish your account.

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

Electrical Upgrades to the GCAFB

127EAX27Q0015

Description

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Quotations are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 127EAX27Q0015 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Electrical Upgrades to the Grant County Aeriel Fire Base and Tanker Cache on the Gila National Forest.

This project consists of furnishing and installing a complete, code-compliant electrical distribution system to support a designated concrete pad area at the tanker base/fire cache, and the upgrade of an existing electrical/motor control panel serving the retardant pumping system. The completed system shall be suitable for continuous outdoor service in a high-use industrial environment and designed for durability, safety, and future expansion.

This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard Code is 238210. The small business size standard is $19M. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency.

Statement of Requirement See Attachment A – Statement of Work

Schedule of Items See Attachment B - Schedule of Items.

Technical Data - The following documents are included as attachments to this solicitation and can be accessed via the “Attachments/Links” section of the posting.

• Attachment A – Statement of Work

• Attachment B – Schedule of Items

• Attachment C – Wage Determination

• Attachment D – Sustainable Products

Project Location Project location is listed in:

Attachment A – Statement of Work

Definitization of Equitable Adjustments for Change Orders

Pursuant to FAR 36.101-4(b), information regarding USDA’s definitization of equitable adjustments for change orders under construction contracts may be found at Contracting with USDA under “Federal Acquisition Regulation 36.101-4”. USDA’s procedures that apply to the definitization of equitable adjustments for change orders under construction contracts may be found in AGAR

443.304 -70.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses and Provisions The clauses and provisions contained herein are applicable to any order awarded as a result of this solicitation. The terms and conditions set forth herein supersede all other terms and conditions.

Acceptance of the order in accordance with (IAW) FAR 12.201-1(b)(2) constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions contained herein.

As part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), system updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also the full text of the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52 https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/departmental-administration/office-contracting-and-procurement-ocp/policies-regulations https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.212-4

This is a commercial construction acquisition. FAR 52.212-4 is amended as follows:

(b) Inspection/Acceptance. Inspection and Acceptance will be conducted in accordance with FAR 52.246-12, Inspection of Construction (Aug 1996).

(d) Changes. Changes will be handled in accordance with the following FAR clause(s):

☐ FAR 52.243-4, Changes (Nov 2025) ☒ FAR 52.243-5, Changes and Changed Conditions (Nov 2025)

(o) Warranty. FAR 52.246-21, Warranty of Construction is applicable to this contract.

52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements

(Jan 2017) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.222-50 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (Sep 2025) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Sep 2025) 52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.240-91 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

The following clauses are applicable if checked:

☒ 52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.204-91 Contractor identification (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.219-4 Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Nov

2025) ☒ 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Aside (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-3 Convict Labor (June 2003) ☒ 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) ☒ 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Apr 2026) ☒ 52.223-2 Reporting of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts (Nov

2025)

☒ 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.225-1 Buy American-Supplies (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.229-3 Federal, State, and Local Taxes (Feb 2013) ☒ 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018) ☒ 52.246-21 Warranty of Construction (Mar 1994)

The Contractor shall comply with the following FAR Clauses for Commercial Construction.

52.222-6 Construction Wage Rate Requirements (Nov 2025) 52.222-7 Withholding of Funds (Nov 2025) 52.222-8 Payrolls and Basic Records (Nov 2025) 52.222-9 Apprentices and Trainees (Nov 2025) 52.222-10 Compliance with Copeland Act Requirements (Nov 2025) 52.222-11 Subcontracts (Labor Standards) (Nov 2025) 52.222-12 Contract Termination-Debarment (May 2014) 52.222-13 Compliance with Construction Wage Rate Requirements and Related Regulations.

(May 2014) 52.222-14 Disputes Concerning Labor Standards (Nov 2025) 52.222-15 Certificate of Eligibility (May 2014) 52.236-5 Material and Workmanship (Jul 2025)

The following clauses are applicable when checked:

☒ 52.222-32 Construction Wage Rate Requirements-Price Adjustment (Actual Method) (Nov 2025)

☒ 52.225-9 Buy American-Construction Materials (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.228-13 Alternative Payment Protections (Jul 2020) ☒ 52.236-2 Differing Site Conditions (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-3 Site Investigation and Conditions Affecting the Work (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-6 Superintendent by the Contractor (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-7 Permits and Responsibilities (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-8 Other Contracts (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-9 Protection of Existing Vegetation, Structures, Equipment, Utilities, and

Improvements (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-10 Operations and Storage Areas (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-11 Use and Possession Prior to Completion (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-12 Cleaning Up (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-13 Accident Prevention (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-14 Availability and Use of Utility Services (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.242-14 Suspension of Work (Apr 1984)

AGAR Clauses

This solicitation incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.usda.gov/guidance-documents/acquisition-policy/ocp/usda-agar30-sept-26pdf

AGAR 452.203-70 Unenforceable Supplier Terms (Sep 2026)

AGAR 452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Apr 2026)

AGAR 452.204‑71 Personal Identity Verification and Workforce Integrity of Contractor Employees (Apr 2026)

AGAR 452.232-71 Progress Payments for Commercial Construction Contracts (May 2026)

AGAR 452.236-70 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (Sep 2026)

Solicitation Information

Award Type

It is anticipated that a Firm Fixed Price Contract will be awarded as a result of this synopsis/solicitation.

The Government intends to make one award from this solicitation. Therefore, to be considered responsive, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

Period of Performance The Contractor is required to commence work under this contract within 10 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed and the entire work ready for use not later than 21 calendar days after notice to proceed. The time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises.

Organized Site Visit

(a) The Government is planning a pre-proposal conference (site visit), during which potential offerors may obtain a better understanding of the work required.

(b) Offerors are encouraged to submit all questions in writing at least two (2) days prior to the conference. Questions will be considered at any time prior to or during the conference; however, offerors will be asked to confirm verbal questions in writing.

(c) In order to facilitate conference preparations, contractors must RSVP with the number of attendees no later than 48 hours prior to the start of the site visit. RSVPs must be sent to:

Jacob Ferguson at Jacob.Ferguson2@usda.gov, and CC Melissa Heckenlaible at melissa.heckenlaible@usda.gov.

(d) The Government assumes no responsibility for any expense incurred by an offeror prior to contract award.

(e) Offerors are cautioned that, notwithstanding any remarks or clarifications given at the conference, all terms and conditions of the solicitation remain unchanged unless they are changed by amendment to the solicitation. If the answers to conference questions, or any solicitation amendment, create ambiguities, it is the responsibility of the offeror to seek clarification prior to submitting an offer.

(f) The site visit will be held at the following location:

POC: Jacob Ferguson Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM Mountain Time Location: Meet in the parking lot of Grant County Airport

188 Airport Road, Hurley NM 88043 Latitude: 32°37'48.62"N Longitude: 108° 8'59.57"W

Evaluation and Basis for Award The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

Technical Approach:

The technical approach will evaluate the ability of the offeror to provide a sound and compliant approach that meets all requirements and shows a thorough understanding of them. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure their quotation clearly demonstrates their capability to meet these requirements. All offerors must provide the following minimum information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated:

• Ability of the offeror to meet the schedule requirements listed in the Statement of Work

(SOW).

The Government will evaluate details such potential schedule of work, equipment available, key personnel, State licensing, safety plan, resources, quality control plan, etc.

• Detailed explanation of any requirement listed in the SOW that cannot be successfully accomplished by the offeror.

Price:

The offeror shall provide pricing as requested in the attached spreadsheet titled “Attachment B – Schedule of Items.” Any quantity price discounts and discounts for prompt payment should be included in this section. Failure to propose pricing for all base line items may result in a quotation being excluded from further consideration. The offeror’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

Past Performance:

The Government may utilize any references provided by the Contractor, along with information available from past contracts/orders with the USDA and any information found using sources such as Federal Government sources or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine if the Contractor has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

• Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness, cost control, business relations, and adherence to contract terms.

• Neutral: Offeror does not have a past performance record.

• Unacceptable: The contractor has a documented history of failing to meet contract requirements, including poor quality, missed deadlines, cost overruns, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.

Evaluation Method:

Award will be made to the offeror with the highest technically rated quotation with fair and reasonable pricing and acceptable or neutral past performance. All quotations will be evaluated to identify the offeror presenting the most technically advantageous solution based on the stated evaluation criteria. Once the highest technically rated offeror is identified, their price will be evaluated to determine whether it is fair and reasonable. Past performance will also be assessed to ensure it is acceptable or neutral.

Award will be made to the offeror whose proposal is determined to be the highest technically rated, provided that:

• The proposed price is fair and reasonable, and

• Past performance is assessed as acceptable or neutral.

Award will not necessarily be made to the lowest-priced offeror. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

FAR 52.212-1 is amended as follows:

Period for acceptance of offers.

The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 60 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

Questions Questions shall be submitted via email to Melissa.Heckenlaible@usda.gov and are due no later than December 3, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time. This will ensure enough time to respond before the solicitation period ends. Please include the solicitation name and number as the subject line of the email.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52 https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52 mailto:Melissa.Heckenlaible@usda.gov

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017)

52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations - Representation (Sep 2025)

52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (Sep 2025)

52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Nov 2025)

The following provisions are applicable if checked:

☒ 52.204-7 System for Award Management—Registration (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.204-90 Offeror Identification (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-5 Construction Wage Requirements, Secondary Site of the Work (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate (Oct 2022) ☒ 52.225-10 Notice of Buy American Requirement- Construction Materials (May 2014)

AGAR Provisions This solicitation incorporates one or more provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Protest Procedures

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to fair, transparent, and efficient acquisitions. Interested parties with concerns about this solicitation are encouraged to seek resolution through the following USDA procedures.

Tier 1: Contracting Officer Concern Resolution

Submission: Interested parties with concerns about either the solicitation or subsequent award should first submit their concern directly to the Contracting Officer, providing sufficient detail to allow the Contracting Officer to understand and assess the issue.

Process: The Contracting Officer will review the concern, seek clarification as needed, and engage with the interested party to attempt prompt resolution.

Review Timeline: The Contracting Officer will make every effort to provide a response or resolution within 10 business days of receiving the concern.

Effect on Award or Performance: Tier 1 engagement is not considered an official notification of filing an agency protest and does not pause solicitation deadlines, delay award decisions, or suspend contract performance.

Next Steps: If the matter cannot be resolved at Tier 1, the interested party may file a written agency protest under Tier 2. USDA encourages all parties to seek resolution with the Contracting Officer before filing an agency protest.

Tier 2: Agency Protest If concerns cannot be resolved at Tier 1, an interested party may file a written agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or the USDA Independent Review Authority. The decision by the USDA Independent Review Authority is an alternative to a decision by the Contracting Officer. The USDA Independent Review Authority will not consider an appeal of the Contracting Officer’s decision on an agency protest.

The protest must state whether the protester elects review by the Contracting Officer, by the USDA Independent Review Authority. If no election is stated, the Contracting Officer will decide the protest.

Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104-4 (a)(3).

Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.

Submission: Agency protests should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer.

Timeliness: Protests must be filed within the timeframes specified in FAR 33.104.

mailto:SPE.inquiry@usda.gov

Effect on Award or Performance: Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined to be in the best interest of the Government.

Review Timeline: USDA strives to resolve agency-level protests within 35 business days of receipt.

Election of Forum: By filing a protest with USDA, the protesters agree not to file a protest on the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If such a protest is filed externally, the USDA agency protest will be dismissed.

Questions: Questions regarding this notice or protest procedures should be directed to the Contracting Officer identified in this solicitation.