12FPC326Q0018 Combined Synopsis-Solicitation CA Appraisal Svcs RFQ.docx

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICTITATION

12FPC326Q0018

For Real Property Appraisal Services for ACEP-WRE USDA NRCS-California

General Information Date Offers are Due: May 19, 2026 Time Offers are Due: 5:00pm ET

Classification Set-Aside: Total Small Business Services Product Service Code: R499 Support – Professional: Other NAICS Code: 531320, Office of Real Estate Appraisers Place of Performance/Location: California

Description The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, supplies, materials, and incidentals necessary to provide Real Estate Appraisal services for NRCS-California as described below and in accordance with the work statement attached to and hereby made a part of this solicitation.

The United States of America, acting through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is considering purchasing a conservation easement to assist the landowner in protecting, restoring, and enhancing the original hydrology, native vegetation, and natural topography of eligible land, to restore and protect the functions and values of wetlands in the agricultural landscape, help achieve the national goal of no net loss of wetlands, and improve the general environment. These lands may be placed under a conservation easement through ACEP-WRE.

All appraisals completed for this program must comply with Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and appraisal instructions as issued by NRCS. ACEP-WRE appraisals are market value as is appraisals of the easement area. A conservation easement value is not needed for ACEP-WRE. The landowner is not a client or intended user of the ACEP-WRE appraisal.

The purpose of the appraisal is to provide an opinion of market value of the proposed easement area as of a current date of value. The appraisal must be completed in compliance with USPAP and appraisal instructions issued by NRCS. An appraisal report, as discussed in USPAP Standards Rule 2-2(a), must be provided; restricted appraisal reports are not acceptable. The appraisal report must contain the level of detail, discussion, and support necessary for the client and intended users to comprehensively understand the rationale for the opinions and conclusions, including reconciliation of the data and approaches used in the appraisal. The detail must thoroughly explain and support the property description, highest and best use analysis, market characteristics, adjustment process, and all conclusions so that all review appraisers and NRCS users have an adequate understanding of the statements, opinions, and conclusions offered within the report.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, offers are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

The solicitation number 12FPC326Q0018 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The acquisition procedures at FAR Parts 12 are being utilized. The Government anticipates the award of one firm fixed-priced contract resulting from this solicitation. Award will be made to the responsible quoter whose quote responds to the terms of this RFQ and is the best value for the Government.

This acquisition is being set-aside for small business concerns. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at https://www.acquisition.gov.

The applicable North American Classification System Code (NAICS) is 531320, Office of Real Estate Appraisers; the small business size standard is $9.5M. For more information on size standards visit http://www.sba.gov/size. Active SAM registration is required in order to be awarded this contract and must remain active throughout the period of performance. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which may be considered by the agency.

Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the United States Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulations (AGAR) Clause 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 requirements 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:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

The following clauses are mandatory in all solicitations and contracts

52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.212-4 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 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Apr 2026) 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 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:

52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025) 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Sep 2025) 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Sep 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) 52.224-3 Privacy Training (Jan 2017) 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018) 52.240-92 Security Requirements (Nov 2025) 52.240-93 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (No 2025)

The Contractor shall comply with the following FAR Clauses for Commercial Services:

52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014)

This Statement is for Information Only:

It is not a Wage Determination

Other Applicable Clauses

52.216-1 Type of Contract (NOV 2025) The Government contemplates award of one firm fixed-priced contract resulting from this solicitation.

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY

The Contracting Officer (CO) is the only person authorized to approve changes in any of the requirements of this contract. This authority remains solely with the CO. In the event that the Contractor effects any change at the direction of any person other than the CO, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and NO adjustment will be made in the contract price to cover any INCREASE in costs incurred as a result thereof.

ELECTRONIC INVOICING AND PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS – INVOICE PAYMENT PLATFORM (IPP)

Invoices must be submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Invoice Payment Platform System (IPP) or the Contractor must be willing to accept payment by Government purchase card.

The Contractor must use the IPP website (https://www.ipp.gov) to register, access, and use IPP for submitting invoices. Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by calling (866) 973-3131.

Invoices submitted by means other than IPP will not be accepted unless the Contracting Officer authorizes alternate procedures in writing.

AGAR Clauses

452.203-71 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance (Dec 2025)

(a) By entering into this contract, the Contractor certifies that:

(1) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and it will remain compliant for the duration of the contract.

(2) Neither it nor any subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and the Contractor and any subcontractor or teaming partner will not do so for the duration of the contract.

(b) If the Contractor participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, the Contractor certifies that it will remain compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The Contractor affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the Contractor is not eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to Contractor’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the Contractor to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) The Contractor must include the provisions of this clause in all subcontract solicitations.

(g) Failure on the part of the Contractor or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate this contract for default.

452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Nov 2025)

(a) If unliquidated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (Contracting Officer) shall issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but will not be required to provide a signature. The Contracting Officer shall immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(b) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing SAP: if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and will be required to provide a signature. (The Contracting Officer may also request a “Contractor Release of Claims” be completed by the contractor, although not required for contracts and orders using SAP.) If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 60 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(c) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing anything other than cost reimbursement, if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and a ‘‘Contractor Release of Claims’’ and will be required to provide a signature on both forms. If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 120 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

Solicitation Information

Award Type It is anticipated that a Firm-Fixed Price award consisting of one (1) base period and four (4) one-year option periods shall be awarded as a result of this synopsis/solicitation. The total duration of this contract shall not exceed five (5) years. The Government intends to make one award from this solicitation. Therefore, to be considered responsive, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

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.

(a) The Government will award one (1) Firm Fixed Price contract resulting from this solicitation. Award will be made to the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) quote. The technical factors consist of three (3) factors. The evaluation team will give the technical factor and “Acceptable” or “Unacceptable” determination before moving onto the price analysis for those with an “Acceptable” technical determination. Once the evaluation team reaches its Lowest Price Technically Acceptable quote, the evaluation will stop and no other quotes will be considered for award. The following shall be used to evaluate quotes:

i. Technical Factor 1: Personnel Qualifications/Technical Capability: Technical capability includes qualifications, experience, capacity, and strategy for executing the work.

ii. Technical Factor 2: Compliance/Capacity, Management Capability

iii. Technical Factor 3: Past Experience

iv. Factor 4: Price Pricing that is unrealistically low may be considered an indication that an offeror does not possess adequate understanding of the requirement or the requisite technical capability to successfully perform the work.

(b) A written notice of award or acceptance of a quote, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful quoter within the time for acceptance specified in the quote, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the quoter’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept a quote (or part of a quote) unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

TECHNICAL FACTOR 1 – Personnel Qualifications/Technical Capability Instructions to Quoter – Quoter must be State-certified general real property appraiser in the state of California and in good standing with the licensing authority in the state of California. Quoters must not have received any disciplinary action within the past 5 years and have demonstrated competency in compliance with USPAP in conducting appraisals of rural and agricultural properties of the requested type (preferably with NRCS easement appraisals or other Federal appraisals). Quoters will illustrate that key project personnel collectively have the ability, through application of professional knowledge and experience regarding real property appraisal services (preferably with NRCS easement appraisals or other Federal appraisals). Offerors should demonstrate they have the personnel to satisfactorily complete the work.

Evaluation Criteria - To be considered qualified technically, the quoter must be State-certified general real property appraiser in state of California and in good standing with the licensing authority in the state of California. Quoters must not have received any disciplinary action within the past 5 years and have demonstrated competency in compliance with USPAP in conducting appraisals of rural and agricultural properties of the requested type (preferably with NRCS easement appraisals or other Federal appraisals). Quoter must demonstrate a clear understanding of all requirements and demonstrate that as a contractor, they have technical expertise in real property appraisal services (preferably with NRCS easement appraisals or other Federal appraisals). The quoter must also demonstrate they have the necessary expertise and personnel to furnish the service described in the Scope of Work (SOW).

TECHNICAL FACTOR 2 – Compliance/ Capacity, Management Capability Instructions to Quoter: The quoter shall submit a well-defined general plan of work to successfully accomplish as a team, the work described in the attached SOW. The general plan of work shall include a strategy for managing all elements of the work, including an organizational outline; the relation of the contract to the overall company structure; and a strategy for adhering to project schedules. The quoter shall document knowledge of and/or similar experience in the general geographical area of the projects, knowledge of the locality of the projects, and capability to access to all relevant records necessary to provide the services described in the SOW. The quoter shall describe how they currently have the capacity and how they plan to meet production deadlines and schedules of the requirement.

The quoter shall also include a description of their quality assurance and quality control procedures. A description should be provided that demonstrates the quoter’s understanding of logistics for conducting real property appraisal services on easements throughout California (and/or neighboring states) and any/all equipment required to meet performance period as depicted on the attached SOW.

Additionally, the quoter shall describe and support, with examples, the quality and timeliness of performance under previous contracts. Include a minimum of 3 references with the following information: (a) Company/Government Name, (b) complete address, (c) point of contact, (d) telephone/email address, (e) contract number, (f) contract type, (g) contract amount at award, (h) contract amount at completion, (i) brief description of work provided, (j) any special problems encountered and actions taken to adapt to customer’s needs.

Evaluation Criteria: Quoters will be evaluated on the ability to comply with the terms and conditions of the contract and experience in conducting real property appraisal services in California (and/or neighboring states), knowledge of and similar experience in the general geographical area of the projects, knowledge of the locality of the projects, and capability to access to all relevant records necessary to provide the services described in the SOW. The quoter will also be evaluated in their ability to meet schedules and deadlines relative to production quantity, and they will be evaluated on their ability to provide quality data through effective quality assurance and quality control protocols. Areas of consideration will include: having qualified personnel with previous experience working on similar projects, managerial expertise required to meet the contract requirements, a demonstrated understanding of logistics for conducting real property appraisal services in California (preferably with NRCS easement appraisals or other Federal appraisals) as depicted on the attached SOW. The quoter will also be evaluated on past performance and the quoter’s demonstrated commitment to customer satisfaction and timely delivery of quality services at fair and reasonable prices.

TECHNICAL FACTOR 3 – Past Experience An evaluation panel will conduct a past experience evaluation that examines a quoter’s recent and relevant past experience record to determine a contractor’s relevant history with real property appraisal services (preferable NRCS easement appraisals or other Federal Government appraisals). The technical evaluation will consider the currency and relevance of the information, source of the information, and context of the data. The purpose of this technical factor evaluation is to allow the Government to assess the quoter’s ability to perform the effort described in this solicitation, based on the quoter’s historical experience.

Instructions to Quoter: Provide a list of no more than three (3) of the most relevant contracts (preferably NRCS Easement appraisals) performed for Federal agencies and/or commercial customers within the last five (5) years. Only references for relevant and recent past efforts/contracts are desired. The Government will evaluate relevant experience relative to the requirements of this RFQ, and the attached SOW. The Government will use information submitted by the quoter to independently verify Contractor Responsibility. The Government may review records, such as CPARS, FAPIIS, verifying references, etc. Items that will be considered are general trends in the quoters experience and performance, the number and severity of problems, the effectiveness of any corrective actions taken, and the offeror's overall performance record. Relevant experience includes technical expertise in real property appraisal services (preferably with NRCS easement appraisals or other Federal appraisals). The past experience should include the following information: (a) Company/Government Name, (b) complete address, (c) point of contact, (d) telephone/fax number, (e) contract number, (f) contract type, (g) contract amount at award, (h) contract amount at completion, (it) brief description of work provided.

Evaluation Criteria: The offeror will be evaluated by the following:

(a) Recency: The ability to prove experience within the last five (5) years.

(b) Relevancy: The ability to prove experience of relevant work, relevant to this requirement. Areas of consideration will include having qualified personnel with previous experience working on similar projects within the area in which real property appraisal services are required per the SOW.

FACTOR 4 - Price Instructions to Quoter: Quoter should complete Attachment 2, Pricing Sheet.

Evaluation Criteria: To evaluate quotes for award purposes, the Government will apply the quoter’s proposed fixed-prices/rates to the estimated quantities included in the solicitation. These prices will be evaluated to determine reasonableness of the price. A comparison of the proposed prices, government estimate, and/or market values will be used. Quoters are put on notice that any quotes that are unrealistic in terms of technical commitment or unrealistically low in price, will be deemed reflective of an inherent lack of technical competence or indicative of failure to comprehend the complexity of contract requirements and may be grounds for rejection of the quote.

Delivery Information Final appraisal reports will be delivered to NRCS-California Government Technical Point of Contact.

Service Contract Labor Standards The Service Contract Labor Standards apply to any contracts awarded through this solicitation. In accordance with (IAW) FAR 22.1002-3(a)(2), the place of performance for this contract is throughout the state of Utah. The Contracting Officer has determined the places of performance and has listed below and included wage determinations for each place as an attachment to this solicitation:

Service Contract Labor Standards Wage Determinations The following Department of Labor wage determinations are incorporated into this contract. Wage determinations may be found at: https://sam.gov/wage-determinations

Wage Determinations: 2015-5647 Rev. 27, dated 03/30/2026; 2015-5631 Rev. 27 dated 03/30/2026; 2015-5609 Rev. 29, dated 03/30/2026; 2015-5673 Rev. 26, dated 03/30/2026.

Qualification Requirements Offerors, or the product or service, ARE required to meet a qualification requirement to be eligible for award. Qualification requirements are described in Attachment 1 - Work Statement.

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:

Questions shall be submitted via email to amy.smith2@usda.gov and are due no later than May 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern 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.

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

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

The following provisions are applicable:

52.203-11 Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (Sep 2024) 52.204-7 System for Award Management—Registration (Nov 2025)

Other Applicable FAR Provisions 52.233-2 Service of Protest (Sep 2025)

AGAR Provisions

452.203-70 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Certification (Dec 2025)

(a) By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that:

(3) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(4) Neither it nor any proposed subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(b) If the offeror participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, by submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that it is compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The offeror affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the offeror will not be eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to offeror’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the offeror to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) Failure on the part of the offeror or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate the contract for default.

Additional Information for Offerors:

Period of Performance The estimated period of performance is June 1, 2026 – July 30, 2026.

Please refer to the following documents which are hereby incorporated and made a part of this solicitation:

· Attachment 1 – Work Statement (11 pages)

· Attachment 2 – Quote Sheet (1 page)

· Attachment 3 – Vendor Information Sheet (1 page)

· Attachment 4 – Applicable Wage Determination(s) (20 pages)

Quotes are due no later than May 18, 2026, 5:00pm ET.

Emailed quotes will be accepted. Quotes shall be submitted on company letterhead, signed, dated and sent via email to Amy Smith, Contract Specialist at amy.smith2@usda.gov no later than May 18, 2026, 5:00pm ET.

Quoters shall utilize Attachment 2 to this solicitation to submit their pricing quotations.

The Government intends to make an award based on the best value to the Government. In order to be considered, a contractor must submit the following in response to this RFQ (failure to provide this information will result in a non-responsive quote):

1. Technical Capability Narrative;

2. Completed Quote Sheet (Attachment 2);

3. Completed Vendor Information Sheet (Attachment 3); and

4. Active/complete registration in SAM (including designation as a Small Business).

Any questions must be submitted in writing to Amy Smith, Contract Specialist, at amy.smith2@usda.gov no later than May 11, 2026, 5:00pm ET.

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ombudsman Program

The USDA is committed to issuing solicitations and awarding contracts in a fair and prompt manner. The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to address protest issues within the agency, providing an alternative to costly and time-consuming litigation. Operating independently, OPAP offers relief comparable to that granted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to resolve concerns through USDA’s internal Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process before pursuing external forums such as the GAO. Concerns may be addressed informally or through a formal agency protest filed with either the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman.

Informal Forum with the Ombudsman

1. Initial Point of Contact: Interested parties who believe a specific USDA procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer.

2. Escalation: If the Contracting Officer is unable to address their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the USDA Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process, the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Utilization of the informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a formal protest with the agency or other forums.

3. Required Information: To ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable).

Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman

1. Effort to Resolve: Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions.

2. Independent Review: If the protester’s concerns remain unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or, alternatively, with the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government.

3. Resolution Timeline: The agency’s goal is to resolve protests within 35 calendar days from the date of filing.

4. Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104(a)(3). Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.

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

6. Submission: Formal protests under the OPAP program should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer.

Election of Forum. By initiating a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If a protest is filed externally, the agency protest will be dismissed.