AG-4D90-S-16-0033_Administrative_Assistance_IDIQ_Contract.pdf

COMBINED SYNOPSIS SOLICITATION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (AG-4D90-S-12-0033)

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (CALIFORNIA)

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation;

proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This acquisition for commercial items will be conducted using simplified procedures under FAR Part 13 and 13.5.

(ii) This solicitation number AG-6322-S-12-0033 is issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP), and the acquisition procedures at FAR Parts 12 and 15 are being utilized. A requirements type indefinite-delivery contract as defined by FAR 16.503, to include a base period of 1 year from the date of award and four one year each option periods, is contemplated. The

Government plans to make award without negotiations.

(iii) This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition

Circular 2005-60, dated August 27, 2012.

(iv) This is a 100% SMALL BUSINESS SET ASIDE and the applicable NAICS code is 561110 “Office Administrative

Services, which has a size standard of $7 million (average annual revenue). Only quotes from small businesses will be considered. A size standard is the largest that a concern can be and still qualify as a small business for Federal Government programs. Size standards are the average annual receipts of a firm. How to calculate average annual receipts of a firm can be found in 13 CFR § 121.104. For more information on these size standards, please visit http://www.sba.gov/size.

(v) Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs)

Pricing will be provided for a 01111 General Clerk II as defined by the Department of Labor, Service Contract Act Director of Occupations found at http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/wage/SCADirV5/SCADirectVers5.pdf. Pricing must be provided for the base period and each of the four option periods. The base period will start the date of award and be a period of one year. The current estimated award date is September 24, 2016.

All dates below are based on this estimate. The actual dates in the contract award document will be based upon the actual award date. Because a requirements type contract is contemplated 16.503(a)(1) states that “For the information of offerors and Contractors, the Contracting Officer shall state a realistic estimated total quantity in the solicitation and resulting contract. This estimate is not a representation to an offeror or Contractor that the estimated quantity will be required or ordered, or that conditions affecting requirements will be stable or normal. The Contracting Officer may obtain the estimate from records of previous requirements and consumption, or by other means, and should base the estimate on the most current information available.” As delivery requirements are defined firm fixed-price task orders will be issued based on the rates provided in the contract and the number of hours needed and schedule for each field office requiring assistance.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Introduction The contractor shall furnish all management, supervision, labor, materials, equipment (except as provided further below), and resources needed to provide the services described in this PWS.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) requires administrative support services in various NRCS Field Office(s) throughout California. The contractor must exhibit the ability to provide geographic flexibility in the provision of services allowing for growth or reduction of the workforce at the various locations listed below. This services contracted for are not of a personal nature (i.e., an employer‐employee relationship does not exist between the Contractor’s employee and the NRCS). Contractor employees are not to be supervised by NRCS employees. They are to receive their direction from the Contractor. NRCS employees may provide contractor employees instructions on how to perform tasks, provide orientation, assign tasks and review work results to ensure contractor employees perform correctly.

Description of Services Services consist of assisting NRCS staff with conservation program documentation and administration. Training for NRCS specific program activates will be provided to the Contractor’s employees. In order to prevent this from becoming a personal services contract, the contractor’s employees must NOT provide any http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/wage/SCADirV5/SCADirectVers5.pdf services other than what is included in this PWS. Any such requests should be forwarded to the Contracting Officer immediately. Work must be completed in accordance with NRCS California policies, procedures and the local Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) requirements. Training may be required as needed and provided by the Government.

Providing assistance related to collecting and assembling cost data and processing payment application requests and programs. Reviewing a wide variety of invoices, vouchers, and other miscellaneous paperwork associated with NRCS Programs

Compiles supporting documents to substantiate payment requests, ensures that payment requests comply with provisions of long term contracting and are within obligated spending limits prior to submission of payment.

Tracks producer requests for wetland compliance and highly erodible land assistance. Maintains wetland determination and highly erodible land case files including producer submitted records, conservation plans and associated maps. Tracks requests for appeals related to issued determinations.

Services will require utilizing a variety of computer hardware and software applications and small office machines. Incumbent will need a working knowledge of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) software such as Protracts, Toolkit, Performance Results System, and Excel. Additionally, incumbent will establish and maintain files in Toolkit and Protracts.

Incumbent reviews accuracy of documentation, compliance with regulations, and justification of vouchers, invoices, claims, statements and other requests for payment of goods and services; processes program payment information; prepares for District Conservationist’s signature and forwards completed document to financial management staff for payment.

The incumbent is responsible for establishing and maintaining contracting files and producer records.

This includes receiving and assembling program applications and collecting producer eligibility information. Responsible for compiling contract documentation including, but not limited to, conservation plans, maps, photographs, resource data and technical material.

The Government will furnish the use of Government computers to accomplish the work. Contractor must be able to obtain and maintain every five years a National Agency Background Investigation which is initiated and paid for by the Government. Contractor employees will also be required to successfully complete USDA information technology security awareness training prior to receiving access to NRCS computers and networks.

Some interaction with the general public will be required in an office setting. Work will be performed Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays and other days NRCS offices officially close. Daily schedules will be coordinated between the District Conservationists and the contractor’s employee. Once work schedules have been set, there will be no deviations without prior written approval by the Contracting Officer. Contractor employees must identify themselves as "contractor(s)" during the designated hours of performance. This includes identifying themselves in email correspondence under the signature block as “Insert Name of Contractor, contracted to the NRCS”. Contractor employees also need to be issued identification badges that show the name of their employer and their name. Photo identification is preferred, but not required. When answering the phone it is permissible to do so by stating the person has reached the NRCS, but they must never give the impression that they are an NRCS employee.

The contractor must provide employees to perform services who meet the following qualifications:

1. Possess valid driving license;

2. Proficient in word processing;

3. Knowledgeable and experienced in utilizing a variety of computer hardware and software applications, such as Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and Access;

4. able to use e-mail and internet browsers i.e., Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft explorer.

5. Knowledgeable and experienced in operating small office machines, such as calculators, fax machines, scanning devices, postage meters, and copy machines;

6. Knowledgeable and experienced in general office procedures, such as preparing reports, spreadsheets, and filing. Familiarity with certified mail and return-receipt mail procedures;

7. Skillful in working with the general public;

8. Capable of working independently; and

9. Possess basic telephone skills.

10. Although not required the following qualifications would be preferred:

• Knowledge of Arc View

• Knowledge of general agricultural and conservation programs

The Government's recommended minimum occupation code from the list on the applicable Service Contract Act wage determination is General Clerk II.

Security Requirements The Contractor must conduct pre-screening of all persons proposed for work under this contract and ensure that employees who will provide services under the contract have submitted to the Government a completed Standard Form 85, Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions within 15 calendar days after hire. Due to the heightened concern for Homeland Security, all Standard Form 85’s will be reviewed by NRCS. A Contractor’s employee can continue to work at NRCS locations while the background check has been initiated and is being conducted.

However, continued work at NRCS locations is dependent upon favorable adjudication of the background check.

The costs relative to completing the SF 85 and any required fingerprinting shall be borne by the Contractor.

Non-Disclosure Work performance required by this PWS will involve access to potentially sensitive information about governmental and landowner issues. The Contractor and all Contractor employees must comply with the terms of AGAR 452.224-70, Confidentiality of Information, as well as provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a.

Additionally, the Contractor's employees must sign a NRCS Conservation Cooperator Certification form and comply with privacy of personal information relating to natural resources conservation programs in accordance with Section 1619 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 which provides that USDA, or any “contractor or cooperator” of USDA, “shall not disclose—(A) information provided by an agricultural producer or owner of agricultural land concerning the agricultural operation, farming or conservation practices, or the land itself, in order to participate in the programs of the Department; or (B) geospatial information otherwise maintained by the Secretary about agricultural land or operations for which information described in subparagraph (A) is provided.” USDA may disclose protected information to a USDA cooperator when such cooperator is “providing technical or financial assistance with respect to the agricultural operation, agricultural land, or farming or conservation practices” if USDA determines that the protected information will not be subsequently disclosed, except in accordance with the exceptions contained in Section 1619.

Civil Rights and Program Delivery The Contractor will ensure that personnel prohibit discrimination in all aspects of programs and activities related to this Contract on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. The Contractor shall employ only persons able to speak, read, write, and understand English fluently for those positions interacting with Government personnel and customers in the performance of this contract, and where English is necessary to provide a service under this contract.

Location and Duration Services Services may be required at the NRCS Field Office located at any county within California. The number of hours needed and schedule for each location will be specified in task orders issued against this requirements contract.

The hours specified on any task order will be the number of hours the NRCS needs assistance and the contractor will not be paid for hours break, lunch, vacation, sick leave, holiday’s, or while the NRCS office is closed. Overtime is not anticipated under this contract and will not be paid unless advanced approval is requested by the contractor and received from the Contracting Officer. No other NRCS employee has the authority to authorize overtime (work hours in excess of 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week). A normal field office work schedule is Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays and when the office is officially closed. The core hours that all NRCS offices are to be manned is between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; most Field Offices hours are 8:00 to 4:30 daily (this includes a required 30 minute unpaid lunch for Federal employees; contractor employees will only be paid a maximum of 8 hours per day). The actual hours of contractor employees at each location will be coordinated between the District Conservationist, the Contractor and the Contracting Officer based on the need at each location.

The contractor will not be required to travel under this contract. Any costs related to daily commuting to and from work, regardless of distance will be borne by the Contractor or its employee. Government vehicles are authorized under this contract for mission requirements only. Vehicles cannot be used for provided Contractor personnel transportation from or to domicile. Contractor personnel must follow the same policies and procedures same NRCS employees when operating a Government vehicle.

BASE PERIOD 9/24/2016 – 9/23/2017

CLIN DESCRIPTION Hours Per Year

0001 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2049

Hollister, CA (40 hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0002 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2051

Concord, CA (16 hours per week) & Livermore, CA (16 hours per week)

1,664 Hours

0003 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2067

Modesto, CA (32 hours per week) and Stockton, CA (2 positions 40 hours each)

5,824 Hours

0004 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2069

Dixon, CA (20 hours per week)

1,040 Hours

0005 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2073

Hanford, CA (40 hours per week) & Visalia, CA (20 hours per week)

3,120 Hours

0006 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2055

Alturas 40 per week

Grass Valley 20 per week

Jackson 40 per week

Lakeport 16 per week

McArthur 20 per week

Oroville 40 per week

Quincy 20 per week

Redding/Red Bluff 40 per week

Smith River 20 per week

Tulelake 20 per week

Ukiah 24 per week

Willows/Colusa 40 per week

17,680 Hours

0007 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5603

Bakersfield, CA (40 hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0008 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5607

El Centro (20 hours per week)

1,040 Hours

0009 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5609

Fresno (40 hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0010 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5629

3,120 Hours

Indio, CA (40 hours) & Victorville, CA (20 hours per week)

0011 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5631

Auburn 20

Davis/Concord 40

Davis 40

Elk Grove 20

Placerville 20

Woodland 20

(160 hours per week)

8,320 Hours

0012 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5635

Escondido (2 positions 40 hours & 20 hours)

3,120 Hours

0013 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2045

Madera,, CA (30 hours per week) & Merced, CA (40 hours per week)

3,640 Hours

0014 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5625

Oxnard, CA (20 hours per week)

1,040 Hours

0015 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2333

Susanville (40 hours per week)

0016 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2063

Templeton, CA (24 hours per week)

1248 Hours

First Option Year 9/24/2017 – 9/23/2018

0001 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2049

Hollister, CA (40 hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0002 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2051

Modesto, CA (32 hours per week) & Stockton, CA (2 positions 40 hours per week each)

5,824 Hours

0004 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2069

Dixon, CA (20 hours per week)

1,040 Hours

0005 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2073

Hanford, CA (40 hours per week) & Visalia (20 hours per week)

3,120 Hours

0006 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2055

Alturas 40 per week

Grass Valley 20 per week

Jackson 40 per week

Lakeport 16 per week

McArthur 20 per week

Oroville 40 per week

Quincy 20 per week

Redding/Red Bluff 40 per week

Smith River 20 per week

Tulelake 20 per week subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5603

Bakersfield, CA (40 hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0008 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5607

El Centro, CA (20 hours per week)

Fresno, CA (40 Hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0010 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5629

Indio, CA (40 hours per week) & Victorville, CA (20 hours per week)

3,120 Hours

0011 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5631

Auburn 20

Davis/Concord 40

Davis 40

Elk Grove 20

Placerville 20

Woodland 20

160 hours per week

8,320 Hours

0012 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5635

Escondido, CA (2 positions 40 hours & 20 hours per week)

3,120 Hours

0013 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2045

Madera, CA (30 hours per week) & Merced, CA (40 hours per week)

3,640 Hours

0014 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5625

Oxnard, CA (20 hours per week)

1,040 Hours

0015 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2333

1,248 Hours

Second Option Year 9/24/2018 – 9/23/2019

0001 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2049

Hollister, CA (40 hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0002 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2051

Concord, CA (16 hours per week) & Livermore (16 hours per week)

Modesto, CA (32 hours per week) & Stockton, CA (2 positions 40 hours each per week)

5,824 Hours

0004 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2069

Dixon, CA (20 hours per week)

1,040 Hours

0005 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2073

Hanford, CA (40 hours per week) & Visalia (20 hours per week)

3,120 Hours

0006 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2055

Alturas 40 per week

Grass Valley 20 per week

Jackson 40 per week

Lakeport 16 per week

McArthur 20 per week

Oroville 40 per week

Quincy 20 per week

Redding/Red Bluff 40 per week

Smith River 20 per week

Tulelake 20 per week subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5603

Bakersfield, CA (40 hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0008 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5607

El Centro (20 hours per week)

Fresno (40 hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0010 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5629

Indio, CA (40 hours) & Victorville (20 hours per week)

3,120 Hours

0011 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5631

Auburn 20

Davis/Concord 40

Davis 40

Elk Grove 20

Placerville 20

Woodland 20

160 hours per week

8,320 Hours

0012 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5635

Escondido, CA (2 positions 40 hours & 20 hours per week)

3,120 Hours

0013 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2045

Madera (30 hours per week) & Merced, CA (40 Hours per week)

3,640 Hours

0014 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5625

Oxnard, CA (20 hours per week)

0015 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2333

Susanville, CA (40 hours per week)

Third Option Year 9/24/2019 – 9/23/2020

0001 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2049

Hollister, CA (40 hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0002 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2051

Modesto, CA (32 hours per week) & Stockton, CA (2 positions 40 hours per week each)

5,824 Hours

0004 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2069

Dixon, CA (20 hours per week)

1,040 Hours

0005 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2073

Hanford, CA (40 hours per week) & Visalia (20 hours per week)

3,120 Hours

0006 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2055

Alturas 40 per week

Grass Valley 20 per week

Jackson 40 per week

Lakeport 16 per week

McArthur 20 per week

Oroville 40 per week

Quincy 20 per week

Redding/Red Bluff 40 per week

Smith River 20 per week

Tulelake 20 per week subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5603

Bakersfield, CA (40 hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0008 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5607

Fresno, CA (40 hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0010 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5629

Indio, CA (40 hours) & Victorville (20 Hours

3,120 Hours

0011 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5631

Auburn 20

Davis/Concord 40

8,320 Hours

Davis 40

Elk Grove 20

Placerville 20

Woodland 20

160 hours per week

0012 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5635

Escondido, CA (2 positions 40 hours & 20 hours per week)

3,120 Hours

0013 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2045

Madera, CA (30 hours per week) & Merced, CA (40 hours per week)

3,640 Hours

0014 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5625

Oxnard, CA (20 hours per week)

1,040 Hours

0015 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2333

Fourth Option Year 9/24/2020 – 9/23/2021

0001 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2049

Hollister, CA (40 hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0002 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2051

Concord, CA (16 hours per week) & Livermore (16 hours per week)

Modesto, CA (32 hours per weeks Stockton (2 positions 40 hours each)

5,824 Hours

0004 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2069

Dixon, CA (20 hours per week)

1,040 Hours

0005 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2073

Hanford, CA (40 hours per week) & Visalia (20 hours per week)

3,120 Hours

0006 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2055

Alturas 40 per week

Grass Valley 20 per week

Jackson 40 per week

Lakeport 16 per week

McArthur 20 per week

Oroville 40 per week

Quincy 20 per week

Redding/Red Bluff 40 per week

Smith River 20 per week

Tulelake 20 per week subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5603

Bakersfield, CA (40 hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0008 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5607

Fresno, CA (40 hours per week)

2,080 Hours

0010 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5629

Indio, CA (40 hours) & Victorville, CA (20 hours per week)

3,120 Hours

0011 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5631

Auburn 20

Davis/Concord 40

Davis 40

Elk Grove 20

Placerville 20

Woodland 20

160 hours per week

8,320 Hours

0012 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5635

Escondido (2 positions 40 hours & 20 hours per week)

3,120 Hours

0013 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2045

Madera, CA (30 hours per week) & Merced, CA (40 hours per week)

3,640 Hours

0014 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5625

Oxnard, CA (20 hours per week)

1,040 Hours

0015 General Clerk II for administrative support services for California Counties subject to Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-2333

(vi) Date(s) and Place(s) of Delivery and Acceptance. The delivery location and period of performance will vary for each task order and will be specified therein. Delivery and acceptance will occur at those locations. Invoices will be approved by the Contracting Officer at the Contracting Team 4 National Delivery Team.

(vii) The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors—Commercial, applies to this acquisition. The following addenda also apply. Offerors must read and follow these additional instructions to receive consideration.

1. System for Award Management (SAM) Registration

In order to comply with the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, all Contractors must be registered in the

System for Award Management, or SAM (formerly Central Contractor Registration (CCR)) and Online

Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA)) prior to award of a Federal Contract. However, due to the need to promptly award a contract after receipt of proposals, registration in SAM, to include completion of the

Representations and Certifications, and having a status of “Active” is required BEFORE submitting an offer. For information regarding registration visit www.sam.gov. Successful offerors and their employees will also be required to provide a completed/signed NRCS Conservation Cooperator Certification as described in the PWS after award is made.

http://www.sam.gov/

2. Technical Proposal and Past Performance Information

Offerors should submit a written narrative that thoroughly addresses all three (3) non price evaluation factors listed in Section (ix) below. The narrative should be supported by evidence that gives credibility to the statements made by the offeror and in turn gives the Government enough information to understand and gain confidence in what the offeror is stating. There is no limit on the length of the narrative, but it should be of a reasonable length and well supported.

3. Price Proposal

Submit a price for the hourly rate for each county and for the base and each option period. Pricing must be provided by the Wage Determination for the area from the work is performed.

4. Certification at FAR 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters and the Certification at AGAR

452.209–70 Representation by Corporations Regarding an Unpaid Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony

Conviction. The offeror must complete the two certifications by reading and checking the appropriate box(s). A copy of the text of the two provisions can be found in Section (xiii) below and as a separate attachment to this notice. Complete the certification using the attachment related to this notice.

5. Submission of Proposal

Contracting Office Address Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Howard Stover, Contracting Officer, 375 Jackson Street, Suite 600, St. Paul, MN 55101-1854

Responses are due by 12 August 2016 at USDA-NRCS (Attn: Howard Stover), 375 Jackson Street, Suite 600, St

Paul, MN 55101. Quotes may be submitted via hard copy only. Proposals not using bid sheet above will not be considered. Please submit four copies of the technical and price volumes. Technical volume and Price volume must be separate.

Contact Howard Stover, Contracting Officer, via telephone at (651) 602-7934 or by e-mail

Howard.Stover@wdc.usda.gov for information regarding this solicitation. No questions concerning this solicitation will be responded to after 2 August 2016 14:00 (2:00pm) Central Time.

(vi) The provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items, applies to this solicitation. The following addenda also apply. Offerors must read and follow these additional instructions to receive consideration.

1. Proposal Format

a. The proposals shall be in the following format:

PART A - Factor 1 (Demonstrate technical & project management approach for ensuring delivery of requirement)

PART B - Factor 2 (Past Performance)

PART C - Factor 3 (Price)

2. Proposal Characteristics

a. All text must be legible and easily read. All text shall be typed single-spaced. Margins (1-inch) shall be clean and clear. Each Part shall be clearly marked and easy to read.

b. All proposals shall contain the requirements stated herein and every Part shall be identified by the name, address, and telephone number of the offeror on the cover. Each Part shall also contain a Table of

Contents and also a List of Tables, List of Figures, List of Appendices, and List of Acronyms, if applicable.

The list of acronyms should include all acronyms appearing in the Part.

c. Proposal clarity, organization (as requested in this solicitation) and cross- referencing are mandatory. In order for the proposal to receive an in-depth evaluation, it is necessary that the proposal be presented in a manner, which will provide clarity, organization and cross referencing as required.

d. Each evaluation factor shall be described in a separate section, appropriately tabbed in a report form.

The information in all parts shall be concise. Elaborate presentations are not necessary or desirable.

(ix) FAR provision 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items applies to this solicitation and is completed as follows.

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

The tradeoff process evaluation methodology will be followed. The Contractor’s response to the following factors:

1. Quality/Technical (Prior Experience) Factor

An offeror that has been established for a number for years, versus a startup, will have greater experience in providing the needed services. An offeror that has more frequent experience in sourcing and placing their employees, especially in administrative support functions. An offeror that has more experience in sourcing and employing candidates in rural geographic areas. An offeror that has significant experience in contracting with Federal agencies for similar services.

2. Quality/Technical (Management Capability) Factor

An offeror that has the resources needed to source, onboard (orientation/background check), place, and employ/supervise employees in a prompt and effective manner. Offerors that do not have adequate resources to process the relatively high number of individuals needed throughout the state could adversely impact the timeliness and quality of the service, or in some cases cause there to be an office without administrative support. An initial task order could require the Contractor to hire a significant number of employees (25-50) in a short timeframe (possibly less than one month).

3. Quality/Technical (Past Performance) Factor

Past performance information is one indicator of an offeror’s ability to perform the contract successfully.

An offeror that has past performance feedback that is not adverse. Adverse feedback could include employee performance issues, replacement of employees due to performance issues, not paying their employees in a timely manner which could jeopardize performance, delays in sourcing and placing employees to meet customer needs. Offerors must identify at least three past or current contracts (may include Federal, State, and local government and private businesses) for efforts similar to this requirement in terms of size and scope. The following information must be provided (name of entity, address, contact name, contact number and email address. Past performance information must be relevant and recent.

Offerors are authorized to provide information on problems encountered on the identified contracts and the offeror’s corrective actions. Offerors with no past performance information will be rated neutrally and will not be looked upon favorably or unfavorably. The Government may contact some or all of the past performance references provided.

4. Price Factor

The overall cost to the NRCS is an important factor, but for this acquisition is it no more important than the other factors. It will be more important to ensure that the NRCS is contracting with a firm that has a demonstrated experience and capability of sourcing and employing a high number of employees in a short time frame especially in predominately rural areas, and a successful track record of placing employees that meet customer needs without the need for replacement. Offerors are cautioned that "materially unbalanced" prices and/or unreasonably high or low prices may cause your proposal to be deemed unacceptable and rejected.

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(x) Offerors are required to complete the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial

Items. This must be completed when registering in SAM.

(xi) The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and there are no addenda.

(xii) The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—

Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and the following additional FAR clauses cited in the clause are applicable to this acquisition.

FAR Clause 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE

ORDERS— COMMERCIAL ITEMS (MAY 2015)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

(1) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Dec 2014).

(2) 52.233-3, Protest after Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(3) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78) (19 U.S.C.

3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items: [Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

☐ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (SEP 2006), with Alternate I (OCT 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

☒ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (APR 2010) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

☐ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (JUN 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub.L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009).

☒ (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUL 2013) (Pub.L.

109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

☒ (5) [Reserved]

☒ (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (JAN 2014) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div.

C).

☒ (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (JAN 2014)

(Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

☒ (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (AUG 2013) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

☒ (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (JUL 2013) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

☒ (10) [Reserved]

☐ (11) (i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

☐ (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2011) of 52.219-3

☒ (12) (i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (JAN 2011) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

☐ (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2011) of 52.219-4

☒ (13) [Reserved]

☐ (14) (i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644).

☐ (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2011).

☐ (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2011).

☒ (15) (i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (JUNE 2003) (15 U.S.C. 644).

☐ (ii) Alternate I (OCT 1995) of 52.219-7.

☐(iii) Alternate II (MAR 2004) of 52.219-7.

☒ (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2014) (15 U.S.C. 637 (d) (2) and (3)).

☒ (17) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (OCT 2014) (15 U.S.C. 637(d) (4)).

☐ (ii) Alternate I (OCT 2001) of 52.219-9.

☐ (iii) Alternate II (OCT 2001) of 52.219-9.

☐ (iv) Alternate III (OCT 2014) of 52.219-9.

☐ (18) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

☐ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 637(a) (14)).

☐ (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages–Subcontracting Plan (JAN 1999) (15U.S.C. 637(d) (4) (F) (i)).

☐ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C 657(f)).

☐ (22) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Representation (JUL 2013) (15 U.S.C. 632(a) (2)).

☐ (23) 52.219-29 Notice of Set-Aside for Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Concerns (JUL 2013) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

☐ (24) 52.219-30 Notice of Set-Aside for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Concerns Eligible under the

WOSB Program (JUL 2013) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

☒ (25) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (JUNE 2003) (E.O. 11755).

☒ (26) 52.222-19, Child Labor--Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (JAN 2014) (E.O. 13126).

☒ (27) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

☒ (28) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (APR 2015) (E.O. 11246).

☒ (29) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUL 2014) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

☒ (30) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).

☒ (31) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUL 2014) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

☒ (32) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O.

13496)

☒ (33) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (AUG 2013). (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.)

☒ (34) (i) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (MAR 2015) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

☐ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

☒ (35) (i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA- Designated Items (MAY 2008) (42 U.S.C. 6962(c) (3) (A) (ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

☐ (ii) Alternate I (MAY 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i) (2) (C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

☒ (36) (i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT® -Registered Imaging Equipment (JUN 2014) (E.O. 13423 and 13514)

☐ (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-13.

☒ (37) (i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT® -Registered Televisions (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

☐ (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-14.

☒ (38) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (DEC 2007) (42 U.S.C. 8259b).

☐ (39) (i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT® -Registered Personal Computer Products (JUN 2014) (E.O. 13423 and 13514).

☐ (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-16.

☐ (40) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (AUG 2011) (E.O.

13513).

☐ (41) 52.225-1, Buy American --Supplies (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

☐ (42) (i) 52.225-3, Buy American--Free Trade Agreements--Israeli Trade Act (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, Pub. L. 103- 182, Pub. L. 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, Pub. L.112-41, 112-42 and 112-43).

☐ (ii) Alternate I (MAY 2014) of 52.225-3.

☐ (iii) Alternate II (MAY 2014) of 52.225-3.

☐ (iv) Alternate III (MAY 2014) of 52.225-3.

☐ (43) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (NOV 2013) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

☐ (44) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

☐ (45) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions outside the United States (Jul 2013) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C.

2302 Note.)

☐ (46) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

☐ (47) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C.

5150).

☐ (48) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (FEB 2002) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

☐ (49) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (OCT 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C.

2307(f)).

☐ (50) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (JUL 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

☐ (51) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer--Other than System for Award Management (JUL 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

☐ (52) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (MAY 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

☐ (53) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (AUG 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

☐ (ii) Alternate I (DEC 2007) of 52.223-16.

☐ (54) (i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (FEB 2006) (46 U.S.C.

Appx 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

☐ (ii) Alternate I (APR 2003) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the

Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items: [Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

☒ (1) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (MAY 2014) (E.O.13495).

☒ (2) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

☒ (3) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C.

chapter 67).

☒ (4) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards--Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

☒ (5) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards—Price Adjustment (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

☒ (6) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment--Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C.

chapter 67).

☒ (7) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services--Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67)

☒ (8) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages under Executive Order 13658 (DEC 2014) (Executive Order 13658).

☒ (9) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations. (MAY 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792).

☒ (10) 52.237-11, Accepting and Dispensing of $1 Coin (SEP 2008) (31 U.S.C. 5112(p) (1)).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records- Negotiation.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller

General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor's directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR Subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e) (1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the

Contractor is not required to…