AG-3A75-S-09-0007 Rev 51509.doc

AG-3A75-S-09-0007

General Information

Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract for Architect/Engineer Services for Assessment of Dams, Design, Design Review and Construction Management Services for Work in the Continental United States Including Alaska

SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1CONTINUATION OF SF1449 - BLOCK 20 - SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

OVERVIEW

The Government intends to award up to six (6) nationwide contracts for Architectural/Engineering Services. The selected contractors will provide a full range of A/E services related to design, oversight, planning and preparation of technical reports, plans and specifications, drawing review, technical analysis, engineering evaluations, studies, consultations, and surveys associated with the assessments, designs, design reviews, and/or construction management of selected new or rehabilitated dam or other water resources projects. These projects requiring repair, modification, replacement or upgrade of existing USDA, NRCS structures are located throughout the United States.

A multiple-award, indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery (IDIQ) type contract is anticipated, with one base year and four (4) one-year option periods. A maximum of six (6) contracts will be awarded. Each contract will have a guaranteed minimum of $250,000.00 over the five (5) year period, and a not to exceed a cumulative maximum of $60,000,000.00 over the five year period. These will be one year contracts with four (4), one year option periods.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Base Period: Date of Award, 2009 to Twelve Months Option Year 1: TBD 2010 through TBD 2011 Option Year 2: TBD 2011 through TBD 2012

Option Year 3: TBD 2012 through TBD 2013

Option Period 4: TBD 2013 through TBD 2014

MINIMUM GUARANTEE

The Government’s minimum guarantee for each contract awarded is $250,000 over the five (5) year period.

SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1CONTRACT MAXIMUM The Government’s NOT-TO-EXCEED maximum, the cumulative total for all contracts awarded, is $60,000,000 over the five (5) year period.

ALL INFORMATION NEEDED FOR INTERESTED PARTIES TO SUBMIT A STANDARD FORM (SF) 330, ARCHITECT ENGINEER QUALIFICATIONS IS CONTAINED HEREIN. THERE IS NO SEPARATE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION (RFQ) PACKAGE TO DOWNLOAD.

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

Purpose: To provide professional services for a full range of Architectural and Engineering (A&E) services for Assessment of Dams, Design, Design Review and Construction Management Services for Work in the Continental United States Including Alaska.

Scope: This UNRESTRICTED procurement is for a Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for A&E and construction management services for: dam assessments; and design, design review, and/or construction management of new or rehabilitated dam or other water resource related projects. These contracts are being procured in accordance with the Brooks A&E Act, as implemented in FAR Subpart 36.6. See numbered note 24 for general information on the A&E selection process. Firms will be selected for negotiations based on demonstrated competence for the required work. Offerors are cautioned to read this announcement in its entirety. Firms will be selected for negotiation based on demonstrated competence for the required work. Contracts may be issued up to one year after selection approval. These task orders are to be firm fixed price. Projects to be designed are not yet determined and funds are not presently available. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is 541310; size standard $4.5 million. To be eligible for contract award, a firm must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). Register via the CCR Internet site at http://www.ccr.gov or by contacting the CCR Assistance Center (8am – 4pm Eastern Time) at 1-888-227-2324 or 269-961-5757.

This UNRESTRICTED procurement is for a Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for A&E and construction management services for: dam assessments; and design, design review, and/or construction management of new or rehabilitated dam or other water resource related projects.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is responsible for providing technical assistance to entities of state and local governments and tribes (project sponsors) for planning and installing watershed projects under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (WPFPA, Public Law 83-566). Another major program is the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP) to undertake emergency measures for runoff retardation and soil erosion prevention to safeguard lives and property. Types of projects under either program include structural measures and agricultural water management. Structural measures might include, but are not limited to levees, dikes, floodways, floodwater diversions, and flood control dams. Agricultural water management consists of measures to increase or conserve water supplies and improve water quality. Water conservation practices may include, but are not limited to sediment control and land stabilization measures, water control structures, diversion dams, flumes, canals, water supply reservoirs, pumping plants, and any other measures that would improve water management for improved agricultural efficiency.

The purpose of this solicitation is to supplement the NRCS efforts under either PL-566 or EWPP. Firms selected under this combined synopsis/solicitation must have demonstrated professional knowledge and experience in the design, assessment and construction of dams and other water resource related structures, as well as the capability of performing work nationwide, providing quick turn-around on proposals for task orders, and completing typical dam assessments within six (6) months and typical design reviews within six (6) weeks with as many as five to twenty simultaneous task orders.

Projects may be located in any of the 48 contiguous states and Alaska. Completion of task orders must be performed by engineers licensed to practice in the state where the project is located. The offeror will be required to provide documentation that supports their capability to provide these services.

The primary geographic area covered by this contract encompasses the Continental United States (CONUS) including Alaska. This multiple award contract will result in up to a maximum of six (6) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts each for a base period of one year and four one-year option periods for a maximum of five years. The estimated combined total amount that may be paid under these contract(s) (including option years) will not exceed $60,000,000. The guaranteed minimum for each contractor is established at $250,000 for the entire contract term (including option years). The options may be exercised within the time frame specified in the resultant contract at the sole discretion of the Government subject to work load and/or satisfaction of the A&E performance under the subject contract. There will be no dollar limit per task order and no dollar limit per year up to a combined maximum of $60,000,000 for all contract(s) for the entire term. The Contracting Officer will consider the following and other relevant factors in deciding which Contractor will be selected to negotiate an order: performance and quality of deliverables under the current contract; current capacity to accomplish the task order in the required time; uniquely specialized experience; geographic location; and equitable distribution of work among Contractors. More than one Task Order may be issued concurrently. The Government makes no representation as to the number of task orders or the actual amount of work to be ordered.

2. PROJECT INFORMATION: There are four primary tasks under this contract: dam assessments; designs, design reviews and construction management. Tasks related to design, design review and construction management will involve dams, and soil and/or water resource related structures. Responses should include proposed sub-consultants for all disciplines including civil, structural, agricultural, hydraulic, hydrologic, environmental, and geotechnical engineering, geology and construction management.

(a) DAM ASSESSMENTS: Perform assessment of designated dams. NRCS will use these assessments to work with the project sponsors to identify high priority watershed rehabilitation projects as well as identify short term needs to be addressed. Dams may be located in any of the 48 contiguous states with 300 to 800 assessments anticipated. Work will include: obtaining and reviewing existing data, site visit, breach analysis including developing a breach inundation map for the existing dam, failure and risk index computations, determination of potential conceptual rehabilitation alternatives that meet current NRCS national and state standards and estimated cost ranges for each alternative based on recent awards for similar types of work and engineering judgment including cost of removal of the at-risk structures within the breach inundation area to the extent that removal is a practical alternative. A final assessment report will be required for each dam assessed and signed by a licensed professional engineer registered in the state where the dam is located.

Field assessment will include: an evaluation of the condition of the existing dam and appurtenances; a description of the operation and maintenance (O&M) status of the structure; and identification of site specific restraints for the potential conceptual rehabilitation alternatives such as land use or natural features. The O&M status will be based on the NRCS O&M evaluation criteria listed in the National O&M Manual, found at http://policy.nrcs.usda.gov/ under Title 180.

Task orders may include options for the selected firm(s) to provide LIDAR (LIght Detection And Ranging) data for the dam reservoir and a specified distance upstream and/or downstream.

The breach analysis shall be performed in accordance with performance specifications included in the task orders. A final drawing of the breach inundation map will be submitted in the *.dwg format (AutoCad Map 2008 or 2009) and associated computer files will be provided.

The selected firm(s) will complete Exhibit 508.1, Priority Ranking Spreadsheet from the National Watershed Manual (NWM) (see http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/watershed/index.html). The spreadsheet includes risk and failure indices, as well as indices for static failure, hydrologic failure, seismic failure and consequences of dam failure.

The final assessment report for each dam will include the following:

· Description of the condition of the existing dam and appurtenances,

· Breach inundation map for the existing structure,

· Status of the dam's O&M,

· Potential conceptual rehabilitation alternatives, including site specific restraints,

· Estimated cost ranges for the identified potential rehabilitation alternatives, and

· Completed NWM Exhibit 508.1.

All material associated with the assessments will be provided in electronic format and four (4) hard copies. Electronic submissions must be compatible with Microsoft Office Suite programs, Adobe Acrobat or AutoCad Map 2008 or 2009. Electronic copies, original hard copies and copies for distribution are to be furnished to NRCS. All material used to document the design will be treated as Personally Identifiable Information and will become the property of the NRCS.

(b) DESIGN: The work will be completed by a licensed professional engineer registered in the state where the project in located. Investigation work shall be completed by individuals qualified in accordance with the appropriate NRCS standard or document. Tasks may include, but are not limited to: surveys, engineering investigations, reports, designs, construction plans and specifications, cost estimates, and engineering support during construction for new floodwater retarding, grade stabilization and multi-purpose dams, rehabilitation of existing dam structures or design and/or rehabilitation of other soil and water resource related structures. Designs shall be in accordance with the NRCS policy as stated in the General Manual, National Engineering Manual, National Handbook of Conservation Practices and technical references found in the Technical Releases, Technical Notes and National Engineering Handbooks. Additional references and guidelines pertinent to the design may include resources from ASTM, ACI, ASCE, ICC, AWWA, USACE, USBR, or other government or industry sources. Other professional standards considered current standard industry practice can be used with NRCS concurrence. NRCS policy and technical documents can be found at: http://policy.nrcs.usda.gov/

The design may consist of part or all of the following phases:

(1) Phase 1 - Plan of Work

Review the project documents and make necessary field visits in order to prepare a detailed plan of work to describe the scope and intensity of investigations necessary to accomplish the assigned work. The plan shall identify the objectives of the proposed work, identify the tasks necessary to accomplish the work, set a schedule for completing each task, and determine the cost of accomplishing each task.

(2) Phase 2 - Supporting Documentation

Develop the necessary data to design the structural elements by: performing field surveys and mapping; geologic investigations; seismic loadings; obtaining field samples; performing field and laboratory testing; preparing geology and soil mechanic reports; identifying borrow sources if necessary; and collecting basic hydrologic data and parameters. Investigation and evaluation of existing features shall be performed as necessary.

(3) Phase 3 - Preliminary Design

Develop preliminary design of dam or water resource related structure by performing hydraulic proportioning and the preliminary foundation, structural and site design. Structural design may include embankments, concrete; roller compacted concrete and so on. Develop the breach inundation map, a streamflow diversion plan, and preliminary drawings, specifications, estimated quantities and construction cost estimate. Support the preliminary design by test data, calculations, hydrology, geologic, geotechnical, structural, hydraulic and dimensional calculations, and design drawings.

(4) Phase 4 - Final Design

Prepare final design, design report, detailed construction drawings, specifications for construction and materials, material quantities, bid schedule, cost estimates, construction schedule, inspection plan and first filling plan, if applicable. The design report shall document all pertinent engineering analyses performed and shall include all calculations, assumptions and decisions made during the design process. Prepare a quality assurance plan for construction. Prepare operation and maintenance manual. Final construction drawings shall be prepared in accordance with NRCS CAD standards and using the currently approved version of CAD available to NRCS.

(5) Phase 5 - Construction Period Services

Provide services such as reviewing design, drawings and/or specifications and making changes if necessary, providing interpretations of drawings and specifications, reviewing shop drawings, answering Requests for Information, site visits and providing consultation services as requested by the contracting officer. Transfer of as-built drawings to AutoCad or similar electronic format may be required.

All material associated with the design services, including construction period services will be provided in electronic format and four (4) hard copies. Electronic submissions must be compatible with Microsoft Office Suite programs, Adobe Acrobat or AutoCad Map 2008 or 2009. Electronic copies, original hard copies and copies for distribution are to be furnished to NRCS. All material used to document design will become the property of the NRCS.

(c) DESIGN REVIEW: The work will be completed by a licensed professional engineer. Task orders may include but are not limited to independent design reviews for major water resource projects with components such as earth embankments, roller compacted concrete structures, soil cement structures, earthwork, reinforced concrete structures, automated and manual water control gates, reinforced concrete pipe conduits, plastic and corrugated metal pipe, rock riprap, timber structures, steel structures and structural fabrication, steel, composite and concrete piling, flood plain restoration and channel bank stabilization measures. Floodplain restoration measures are those required to restore floodplain hydrologic and habitat functions such as dikes, canals and soil and water control structures. Designs to be reviewed are typically prepared by NRCS staff and/or consulting engineering staffs. A typical project could require knowledge and experience in hydrology, surveying, engineering design, geology, site investigation, soil mechanics, hydraulic engineering, and structural engineering. Design reviews shall be in accordance with NRCS policy as stated in the General Manual, National Engineering Manual, National Handbook of Conservation Practices and technical references found in the Technical Releases and National Engineering Handbook Technical Notes. The Contractor will be required to submit a final design review report (100%) for all projects. Design review meetings are not anticipated. Teleconferences, particularly after the design review report is submitted, are anticipated. Design reviews are expected to be completed in 4 to 8 weeks, dependent on the complexity of the design.

All material associated with the design review services will be provided in electronic format and (4) hard copies. Electronic submissions must be compatible with Microsoft Office Suite programs, Adobe Acrobat or AutoCad Map 2008 or 2009. Electronic copies, original hard copies and copies for distribution are to be furnished to NRCS. All material used to document design will become the property of the NRCS.

(d) CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT: Task orders may include: constructability design review, value engineering management, construction inspections and tests oversight, records drawings, and construction management services for construction or rehabilitation of flood control and water retention dams and other watershed structures located anywhere within the United States. The work may involve the following disciplines: Structural, Civil, Geotechnical, Hydraulic, and Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management. Construction management services may include survey, contract document preparation including documentation of daily activities and maintenance of as-built drawings and specifications, on-site inspections, materials testing, quality assurance, monitoring of pollution control compliance activities, submittal and request for information management, cost estimating, scheduling, safety, progress monitoring, payroll, claims management, etc. The typical construction management project could include earth embankments, roller compacted concrete structures, earthwork, reinforced concrete structures, automated and manual water control gates, rock riprap placement, timber structures, steel structures and structural fabrication, timber, steel and concrete piling, sheet piling, gabion baskets, pipe conduits (concrete, steel or metal, or plastic) and channel bank stabilization measures. In the event of a construction contract claim, the firm will be expected to provide all documentation necessary to litigate or arbitrate the claim. The firm will be required to be familiar with NRCS design and construction standards available at: http://policy.nrcs.usda.gov/ and other industry standards.

All material associated with the construction management services will be provided in electronic format and four (4) hard copies. Electronic submissions must be compatible with Microsoft Office Suite programs, Adobe Acrobat or AutoCad Map 2008 or 2009. Electronic copies, original hard copies and copies for distribution are to be furnished to NRCS. All material used to document construction will become the property of the NRCS.

Objective: For dam assessments and design services, the contractor shall visit the associated site and survey/study in order to gain familiarization with the project and existing site conditions. The professional A&E services which may be required under this contract consist of, but are not limited to: design for new or rehabilitated dams and other soil and/or water related structures and other professional services such as feasibility studies, preliminary engineering reports, complete design services, technical reports, construction phase services, construction documents, and construction cost estimates.

If available, the Government will provide the following information to the firm completing the work, within 15 days prior to commencement of any required site visits for preliminary design investigations:

1. As-built plans of the dam or soil and/or water related structure.

2. Previously performed breach analysis or map The products/deliverables of this contract are primarily design, construction documents including plans and specifications, cost estimates, engineering studies, construction administration services, quality assurance reviews and technical evaluations. The following items will not be required of the Contractor: elaborate environmental assessments and/or impact statements or real estate/market appraisal services.

NRCS will review, and comment on draft reports and return them to the Contractor for correction within thirty (30) days of receipt as applicable.

NRCS requires one (1) hard copy and one (1) electronic copy of each draft report, four (4) hard copies of all final reports/studies/evaluations, four (4) hard copies of all plans, drawings, specifications, manuals, etc. Final submission of reports, studies, evaluations, plans/drawings and specifications shall be submitted within fifteen (15) working days of NRCS’ return of draft reports and/or plan submittals with any comments. In addition to hard copies, all plans, specifications and related documents shall be provided to NRCS on computer disc (CD) in a format compatible with Microsoft Office Suite software. Any designs, plans or sketches shall be provided on computer disc (CD) in AUTOCAD Map 2008 or 2009. NRCS requests for A&E services, within the scope of this contract, will require a request from the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) to the Contracting Officer (CO) for the Contractor to submit a fee proposal for the services required. Any costs to NRCS will be negotiated on a project-by-project, task-order basis, and associated schedules will be established on a project by project basis.

NRCS will notify the Contractor, via a Notice to Proceed, ten (10) days or less prior to the date for commencement of work for any task order issued.

Design and design review services which may be required under this contract shall be designed in accordance with the NRCS policy as stated in the General Manual, National Engineering Manual, National Handbook of Conservation Practices and technical references found in the Technical Releases, Technical Notes, and National Engineering Handbooks. Additional references and guidelines pertinent to the design may include resources from ASTM, ACI, ASCE, ICC, AWWA, USACE, USBR, or other government or industry sources. Other professional standards considered current standard industry practice can be used with NRCS concurrence.

Miscellaneous, professional A&E design and related services (as defined in Part 36 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)), are to be negotiated on a task by task basis. The COTR will provide the CO with a Statement of Work (SOW) and an Independent Government Estimate (IGE) for miscellaneous services on a task by task basis as the project specifies, and in quantities determined at that time. Portions of some design projects will be subject to the Brooks Act (FAR Part 36) limitations. Construction management services are not subject to the Brooks Act limitations.

A. SERVICES REQUIRED

A (1) The Architect/Engineer, hereinafter referred to as the A/E, shall provide architectural, engineering, and related services, including construction-related services, as described herein, for NRCS.

A (2) Under the terms of this contract, services may be provided under the following major categories, and may include other architectural, engineering and construction-related services:

a. Development of Requests for Quotations (RFQ) and/or Requests for Proposal (RFP) documents to be used for the procurement of construction contracts or Invitations for Bid (IFB) for NRCS facilities

b. Development of A&E design and construction documents for selected construction projects.

c. Development of independent cost estimates for selected construction projects, A/E contracts, proposed or potential contract modifications, subsequent comparisons and analyses, and the projection of future budget requirements

d. Review of contractor submittals and related services, i.e. technical analysis

e. Assistance with the development and management of project and construction contract schedules utilizing critical path methods, with related services

f. Site visits

g. Consulting services

h. Participation in semi-final and final inspections

i. Life Safety and ADA conformance reviews

B. DEFINITIONS

B (1) Project Administrator (PA): The A/E’s representation has the responsibility and authority for overall management of this contract, including coordination of all project task orders and allocation of the A&E’s resources for the task orders, and is the primary point of contact (POC) for NRCS’ Contracting Officer (CO) and

Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR)

B (2) Project Task Managers (PM): The A/E’s personnel, with management and supervisory responsibilities, that have authority for individual project task orders

B (3) Contracting Officer (CO): An employee of NRCS, designated as CO for a project, or their duly-appointed successor, with the authority to enter into, administer, modify and/or terminate contracts, make related determinations and findings, and with authority to obligate funds on behalf of the Government. The CO may designate authorized representatives (COTR) to act for him or her, in which case, he or she will notify, in writing, the affected parties specifying the limits of the authority and delegated responsibilities.

B (4) Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR): An employee of NRCS, designated by NRCS’ Contracting Officer (CO), to be his or her authorized representative for a specific contract or project.

C. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

C (1) Services provided under this contract shall be performed against specific task orders issued by the CO.

C (2) NRCS is under no obligation to issue orders for tasks in connection with this contract, unless NRCS subsequently determines a specific need for services.

C (3) NRCS reserves the right to perform any portion of these services, or similar services, itself, or to employ others to perform the needed services.

C (4) Task orders under this contract may be issued by the CO at any time within the contract period. The actual performance of the work may extend beyond the end of the contract period.

C (5) Services provided under the contract may be required for sites or projects located anywhere within the 48 contiguous states or Alaska.

C (6) Services provided under this contract may be required simultaneously for several sites or projects, and may be required with short notice and with short completion deadlines.

C (7) NRCS shall obtain full rights and privileges to all documents prepared under the contract. NRCS shall have unlimited rights to:

a. Documents and other works developed in the design specifications, all drawings, and notes, including the right to use the same on any other NRCS design or construction, without contract or additional compensation to the A/E, the A/E hereby grants to NRCS. This is a paid in full license, throughout the world, to all such works to which it may assert or establish any claim under design patent or copyright laws.

b. Works developed under this contract shall become the property of the Government, and may be used on any other design or construction without additional compensation to the A/E. NRCS will be considered the “person for whom the work was prepared” for the purpose of authorship in any copyright work under Section 201 (b) of Title 17, United States Code. The A/E agrees not to assert or authorize others to assert any rights or to establish a claim under the design patent or copyright laws.

c. Except for the project for which this contract will provide services, NRCS relieves the A/E of all liability, either expressed or implied, in the Government’s re-use of these documents. The A/E may retain copies of the original documents, and has full rights to reuse their contents under the A/E’s liability.

C (8) All documents (working drawings, schedules and specifications) prepared under this contract shall reflect the actual, minimum needs of NRCS, the market availability to satisfy such needs, and shall be developed in a manner allowing for promotion of full and open competition, consistent with the Federal Acquisition

Regulations (FAR):

a. Specifications shall not include restrictive provisions or conditions, except where necessary, to satisfy the minimum needs of NRCS, or as required by law or agency regulations.

b. Whenever possible, specifications should be written in NRCS format, and references in specifications are to use widely-recognized standards or specifications promulgated by NRCS, industries or technical societies.

c. If it is determined that listing a specific manufacturer is necessary for any equipment item, product or material, such listing will include at least three (3) alternative sources, and all known sources. Specifications must also clearly identify and describe the essential physical and functional characteristics of the equipment item, product or material, which are considered necessary to satisfy the requirement, and that will be used to evaluate any proposed substitutions.

d. The A/E will utilize its professional knowledge of the market to initiate telephone or written contact with individual manufacturers, associations or organizations to research and/or conduct surveys to ensure the requirements are met. This may include review of manufacturers’ literature or other efforts as necessary to ascertain whether other qualified sources exist and are capable of satisfying the Government’s requirements.

e. When the A/E cannot identify a minimum of three (3) possible sources for a particular item, the A/E will advise the CO, documenting the specific requirements and the steps taken to locate such sources, and will make recommendations regarding specifications. The CO will then determine the appropriate and preferred method for specifying the item.

Specifications should be stated in terms of function, performance, or with specific design requirements.

“Brand name or equal” descriptions should not be used, but if determined to be necessary, must clearly identify and describe the essential physical and functional characteristics of the “brand name” item or items which is/are considered necessary to satisfy the requirement, and which will be used to evaluate substitutions.

References in the specifications to equipment, material articles, or patented processed by traded name, make or catalog number, will be regarded as establishing a standard of quality, and will not be construed as limiting competition, and will be so stated in the technical specifications.

f. Technical specifications shall be developed using NRCS format and shall be complete for the scope of the project work.

D. TASK ORDER IDENTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

D (1) Upon the determination by NRCS of the need for a service task, the CO will issue to the A/E, a written request for proposal, to include a written description of the requirements to perform the task.

D (2) The A/E shall respond within the time period specified in the request for proposal. The proposal shall include a detailed breakdown of the types of personnel, an estimate of man-hours required to complete the task, and a summary of labor costs and other direct costs (including travel).

D (3) Labor rates, to include overhead rates and profit, shall be established and listed under “Exhibit A” of this contract.

D (4) NRCS and the A/E will negotiate to reach agreement on the fixed fee for services to be performed, and on the period of performance for the specified task. After an agreement is reached, the CO will issue a task order reflecting the terms agreed upon with a Notice to Proceed.

D (5) NRCS reserves the right to perform any portion of these services, or similar services, itself, or to employ others to perform them.

D (6) NRCS may, at its option, reproduce additional copies of drawings, reports or other documents furnished under this contract. Additional reproduction may be done by the A/E on a cost-reimbursable basis.

D (7) The cost of all travel by the A/E, in conjunction with the services to be provided under this contract, shall be agreed upon by both the A/E and Government, and shall be established for each individual task order, prior to final approval and the Notice to Proceed issued by the CO.

D (8) Task Order proposals’ travel-related items from the A/E will be based on actual transportation costs and travel allowance of contractor employees, in accordance with FAR 31.205-45, and the applicable Government Travel Regulations. Such transportation costs will be no greater than the cost of coach class, commercially-scheduled air or ground travel by the most expeditious route, unless coach air or ground travel space in unavailable.

D (9) All miscellaneous services required in connection with the services described herein (i.e. delivery services, long-distance telephone calls, and reproduction not specifically assigned to NRCS under specific task order of this contract) will be provided by the A/E without additional expense to NRCS.

D (10) Once a bilateral agreement is reached for each specific task order, personnel substitutions will not be allowed without specific prior written approval. No payment (s) will be made for personnel substituted without this specific prior written approval.

D (11) The term “submittal date” or “delivery date” shall be understood to mean the date the document(s) or deliverable(s) is/are to be delivered to the required address. The A/E shall be required to organize the submittal for delivery to up to three (3) different addresses as determined by NRCS. If the A/E does not meet the submittal or delivery date as specified in the individual task order, and NRCS suffers damages due to the delinquency of a submittal, the A/E may be liable to NRCS for repayment of such damages as deemed appropriate by the Contracting Officer.

E. LABOR CATEGORY CLASSIFICATIONS AND KEY PERSONNEL

E (1) Assignment of personnel and proposals for task orders under this contract shall be based upon the following list of labor categories and classifications. Labor rates shall be established and listed in “Exhibit A” of this contract approval.

E (2) Labor Categories:

a. Project Administrator – the A/E’s representative with responsibility for overall management of this contract

b. Project Task Managers – the A/E’s personnel, with management and supervisory responsibilities for individual task orders. The Project Task Managers may be from any of the professional disciplines as listed in the job categories below.

c. Professional Architects

d. Professional Engineers – may include Structural, Civil, Geotechnical, Hydraulic, and Environmental Engineering,

e. Other Technical Specialists – may include schedulers, claims analysts, construction specialists, cost estimators, and others with unusual or specialized experience

E (3) Additional labor categories may be added by modification of this contract

E (4) Labor Classifications:

a. Professional Level 4 (PL-4) – plans conducts and supervises the overall project or project tasks requiring specialized or unique expertise. Supervises and/or provides technical advice and counsel to other professionals. Generally works with wide latitude for independent judgment and un-reviewed action.

Typical titles: Principal or Senior Architect, Engineer, Attorney, Project Director, Project Administrator or Senior Project Manager

Qualifications: Professional degree (Masters, PhD, or lower degree with additional specialized or managerial experience);

professional registration

Experience: Five (5) years or more of relevant professional experience

b. Professional Level 3 (PL-3) – under the general supervision of the Project Administrator or Project Task Manager, he/she plans, conducts and supervises typical project tasks and/or directs other professionals and technical staff. Generally works with significant latitude for independent judgment and un-reviewed action.

Typical titles: Associate or Senior Architect, engineer, Attorney, Project Director, Project Administrator or Senior Project Manager Qualifications: Professional degree (Masters or lower degree with additional specialized or managerial experience); professional registration

Experience: Six (6) to ten (10) years or more of relevant professional experience

c. Professional Level 2 (PL-2): under the supervision of a Project Task Manager, performs assignments associated with project tasks; may coordinate the activities of junior professionals or technicians. Assignments are varied and require originality, initiative and ingenuity.

Typical titles: Architect, Engineer, Attorney or Project Manager

Qualifications: Professional degree (Master, PhD or lower degree with additional specialized or managerial experience); professional registration or significant additional experience

Experience: Three (3) to six (6) years or more of relevant professional experience

d. Professional Level 1 (PL-1): lowest of entry level professional classification;

works under close supervision of a Project Task manager or other senior professional to perform assignments associated with project tasks.

Typical titles: Graduate or Trainee Architect, Engineer or Attorney

Qualifications: Professional degree (Masters or lower degree with additional specialized experience)

Experience: One (1) to three (3) years or more of relevant professional experience

e. Technical Specialist Level 4 (TL-4): plans, conducts and supervises project tasks requiring specialized or unique expertise; supervises and/or provides technical advice and counsel to professionals or other technical specialists; generally works with wide latitude of independent judgment and un-reviewed action

Typical titles: Senior Scheduler, Senior Claims Analyst, Senior Construction Specialist, Senior Cost Estimator, or Certified Value Specialist

Qualifications: Masters Degree or equivalent or lower degree with additional specialized or managerial experience; certification in technical specialty, if available

Experience: Ten (10) years or more of relevant technical experience

f. Technical Specialist Level 3 (TL-3): under the general supervision of the Project Administrator or Project Task manager, he/she plans, conducts and supervises typical project tasks; may supervise and/or direct other professionals and technical staff; generally works with significant latitude of independent judgment and un-reviewed actions.

Typical titles: Scheduler, Claims Analyst, Construction Specialist, Cost Estimator, Associate Value Specialist or Value Technician

Qualifications: B.A. or B.S. degree, or equivalent lower degree with additional specialized or managerial experience; certification in a technical specialty, if available, or significant additional experience

Experience: Two (2) to nine (9) years or more of relevant technical experience

g. Technical Specialist/Technician/Technical Assistant Level 2 (TL-2): under the general supervision of a professional or senior technical specialist, carries out assignments associated with project tasks; may supervise or coordinate the activities of junior technicians

Typical titles: Senior Architect, Engineering Technician, Chief drafting person, or Graphics Production Director

Qualifications: Associate degree or equivalent or technical training with additional specialized experience

Experience: Three (3) years or more of relevant technical experience

h. Technical Specialist/Technician/Technical Assistant Level 1 (TL-1): under the close supervision of a senior technician or professional, carries out assignments associated with project tasks; assignments may include performance of tests, fathering and correlation of basic data, with routine evaluation and analysis required

Typical titles: Technician, Technical Assistant or Drafting person

Qualifications: Associate Degree or equivalent or technical training with additional specialized experience

Experience: One (1) to three (3) years or more of relevant technical experience

i. Clerical Level (CL) – personnel for clerical, filing and word processing support for project tasks

Typical titles: Secretary, Word Processor, Typist or Clerk

E (5) The key senior personnel at levels PL-4, PL-3, TL-4 and TL-3, assigned to perform services under this contract, must be approved in advance by the CO. A list of these approved, key senior personnel will be maintained as “Exhibit B” of ths contract. The list of key personnel may be changed during the course of this contract, to either add or delete personnel. Changes to this list will be made only with the written approval of the Contracting Officer. Proposed additions or deletions will be submitted to the CO thirty (30) calendar days prior to the planned addition or deletion, and will contain a justification for the change as well as the qualifications of any new personnel.

SPECIAL CONTRACT CONDITIONS

The Government intends to award up to six (6) nationwide contracts.

CONTRACT AWARD

The Government intends to make MULTIPLE AWARDS (maximum of up to six (6)) to those offerors, pursuant to an affirmative determination of responsibility, whose offer conforms to the terms of the solicitation, and is determined to be in the best interest of the Government.

NOTICE TO OFFERORS

When submitting offers in response to this solicitation, the following submission format is required:

6 copies of Proposal (including all additional documentation as required) - Six hardcopies (Original signed, plus five copies)

One (1) electronic version, CD format Proposals shall be submitted via any of the express carriers (FedEx, UPS, etc.) to the following address:

USDA, NRCS

Attn: Denise Brooks, Contracting Officer

5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705

Electronic transmissions, facsimiles, and emails will not be accepted.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Technical questions and/or clarifications to the solicitation shall be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer no later than May 18, 2009 via email to Denise.Brooks@wdc.usda.gov. Responses will be provided, via amendment and posted on FedBizOpps , no later than June 2, 2009. Questions received after this deadline will not be addressed. No phone call Inquiry will be accepted.

SECTION SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D-1

PRESERVATION, PACKING AND MARKING

Preservation, packaging, and packing for all items delivered hereunder shall be in accordance with commercial practice, and shall be paid by the contractor. All packaging, postage fees and payment related to submitting information, forms and reports, etc. to the Government (i.e. Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative) shall be paid by the Contractor.

D-2

MARKING

All information submitted to the Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative shall clearly indicate the contract number and task order number, if applicable, for which the information is being submitted.

SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E-1 FAR 52.246-4 Inspection of Services-Fixed-Price (Aug 1996)

(a) Definition. "Services," as used in this clause, includes services performed, workmanship, and material furnished or utilized in the performance of services.

(b) The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government during contract performance and for as long afterwards as the contract requires.

(c) The Government has the right to inspect and test all services called for by the contract, to the extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the contract. The Government shall perform inspections and tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the work.

(d) If the Government performs inspections or tests on the premises of the Contractor or a subcontractor, the Contractor shall furnish, and shall require subcontractors to furnish, at no increase in contract price, all reasonable facilities and assistance for the safe and convenient performance of these duties.

(e) If any of the services do not conform with contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements, at no increase in contract amount. When the defects in services cannot be corrected by reperformance, the Government may-

(1) Require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements; and

(2) Reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed.

(f) If the Contractor fails to promptly perform the services again or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with contract requirements, the Government may- (1) By contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the Contractor any cost incurred by the Government that is directly related to the performance of such service; or (2) Terminate the contract for default.

(End of clause) E-2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACTOR’S SERVICES AND REPORTS AND OTHER REQUIRED DATA

(a)

Services: Inspection, acceptance, and evaluation of services to be furnished shall be performed by the Contracting Officer and COTR. The Government reserves the right to conduct any inspection and test if it deems reasonably necessary to assure that the services provided conform in all respects to the contract specifications. Services, which upon inspection, are found not to be in conformance with contractual specifications shall be promptly rejected by the COTR and a notice of such rejection will be provided to the contractor by the Contract Officer.

(b)

Reports and Data: The Government will inspect the contractor’s performance in submitting reports and data as required by the contract. Inspection shall be conducted by the Contracting Officer and the COTR. Inspection and evaluation will be performed to assess the contractor’s (1) compliance with the specifications; (2) responsiveness; (3) timeliness; (4) quality with respect to generally acceptable professional standards, and, (5) compliance with all elements of Section F, (Deliveries or Performance).

(c)

In accordance with FAR 42.15, Contractor Performance Information, the contractor’s overall performance will be evaluated on periodic basis. The evaluation will include, for example, the contractor’s record of conforming to contract requirements and to standard of good workmanship; the contractor’s record of forecasting and controlling costs; the contractors adherence to contract schedules, including the administrative aspects of performance; the contractor’s history of reasonable and cooperative behavior and commitment to customer satisfaction and generally, the contractor’s business-like concern for the interest of the customer.

(d)

Past performance information is relevant information, for future source selection purposes, regarding a contractor’s actions under previously awarded contracts.

E-3

CONTRACTOR’S FAILURE TO PERFORM REQUIRED SERVICES

The rights of the NRCS and remedies described in this section are in addition to all other rights and remedies set forth in this solicitation. Specifically, the Government reserves its rights under the Inspection of Services and Termination Clauses. Any reductions in the Contractor’s invoice shall reflect the Contractor’s reduced value resulting from the Contractor’s failure to perform required services. The Contractor shall not be relieved of full performance of the services hereunder and may be terminated for default based upon inadequate performance of services, even if a reduction was previously taken for any inadequate performance.

SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F-1 CONTRACT PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance of this contract shall commence from the contract award and continue for twelve calendar months, thereafter. The Contractor shall be ready to begin performance within 10 calendar days of the award of the contract. Performance beyond the base period of the contract may be required by the exercise of options as follows:

Option Year 1 – Twelve months from the expiration of the base year

Option Year 2 – Twelve months from the expiration of the 1st option year

Option Year 3 – Twelve months from the expiration of the 2nd option year

Option Year 4 – Twelve months from the expiration of the 3rd option year

F-2 FAR 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its…