Industry Day/ Pre-proposal Conference for Modernization of the Grassland, Soil, and Water Research Laboratory in Riesel, Texas

This notice invites all interested contractors to participate in an Industry Day/ Pre-Bid Conference to communicate an overview of the Design-Bid-Build efforts needed for the modernization of the Grassland, Soil, and Water Research Laboratory (GSWRL) in Riesel Texas. The conference will be held at the GSWRL Riesel facility at 1:00 PM CST on 14 June 2019. "Interested contractors" would include qualified Small, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HubZone), Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), certified 8(a) firms.
The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, intends to issue a Two-Step Invitation for Bids (IFB) for the modernization of the Grassland, Soil, and Water Research Laboratory (GSWRL) in Riesel, Texas. The GSWRL Modernization will be a Design-Bid-Build onstruction project using the Two-Step Sealed Bidding process as detailed in FAR 14.5. The USDA has developed a complete set of Construction Documents (plans and specifications) showing and describing the project's requirements. A tour of the facility will not be provided.
This solicitation will be a Total Small Business Set Aside.
BACKGROUND:
The mission of the current research program at GSWRL is to develop technology and solutions that increase efficient use of soil and water resources, enhance forage and crop production, and support sustainable agricultural production in healthy ecosystems. This mission is accomplished by research that enhances decision support tools for crop and forage production and watershed management, develop improved soil, water, and crop management techniques, develop sustainable crop, forage, and biofuel production systems, increase rangeland productivity and quality, and mitigate global change effects.

The existing research facilities at Temple, and also at the satellite facility at Riesel, are approximately 40 years old and have exceed their service life. Numerous building deficiencies exist and must be addressed. The original lab spaces cannot effectively support modern research activities. The research programs housed therein would benefit greatly from the modernization efforts.

NOTE: Modernization of the main GSWRL facility in Temple, TX will be solicited separately under solicitation number 1232SA19B0003.

REQUIREMENT:
The project scope includes major remodeling of a 3,700 square foot office building that was constructed in 1937 that has some features of historical significance. It requires considerable modernization, generally including accessibility enhancements, foundation stabilization, masonry repair, new office finishes, an added meeting room on the second floor with a new exterior stair, renovated restrooms, refurbished historical windows and upgrading and replacement of the HVAC and electrical systems.

GENERAL:
The contract Period of Performance is approximately 630 calendar days (Base and all Optional Items) after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. The Magnitude of Construction is between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000.
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 236220 (Construction), with a Small Business Set Aside size standard of $36.5 million.
Interested contractors should respond to the Contracting Officer, Stephen Stolte, via email to RSVP. Attendees will need valid ID to gain access to the facility.
The contract will be awarded, based on the Two-Step Sealed Bid process. The Contracting Officer will award a firm fixed price contract to the responsive and responsible Bidder, whom the Government determined had an "Acceptable" Step-One proposal, conforms to the solicitation, is fair and reasonable, and bids the lowest overall price.
Bid Bonds are required. Performance and Payment Bonds will be required by the successful offeror.
Plans and specifications will NOT be provided in hard paper copy. The solicitation and all amendments for the RFP will be posted on www.fbo.gov at a later date.

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