Accelerated Project Management

The United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service has issued a Special Notice regarding a sole source contract award for accelerated project management services at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). This notice serves as an informational announcement rather than a request for proposals, as the government intends to award a 12-month, firm-fixed-price contract under FAR 6.302-2 for unusual and compelling urgency. The contract will support critical commissioning activities required for NBAF to operate as a Bio-Safety Level 3 and Bio-Safety Level 4 facility. The notice identifies Merrick & Company as the sole contractor capable of performing these specialized services within the required timeframe. All inquiries must be submitted via email to the designated contracting officer by October 15, 2025.

The primary objective of this sole source award is to provide essential program management, project and construction management, commissioning, performance verification, and preparation of key approval documentation necessary for NBAF's certification as a high-level biosafety facility. Services must commence by August 30, 2025, with a commissioning report deadline of August 6, 2026, to meet critical certification requirements that will enable mission-critical research operations. The contract is not open to competition due to the unusual and compelling urgency of the situation and the specialized nature of the work required. Contractors interested in submitting inquiries must do so exclusively through email communication, as oral communications and telephone calls are explicitly prohibited. The procurement falls under the Testing Laboratories and Services NAICS category and involves special chemical and biological analysis work that is essential for the facility's operational readiness.