Modernization of the Grassland, Soil, and Water Research Laboratory (GSWRL) in Riesel, Texas.

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.

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.

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.
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.

Step One of the solicitation documents will be available for viewing and downloading on FedBizOpps (www.fedbizopps.gov) on or about 26 August 2019.
Plans and specifications, which will be made available to firms progressing to Step Two, will NOT be provided in hard paper copy. The solicitation and all amendments for the RFP will be posted on www.fbo.gov.
Step One submissions are anticipated to be due on or about 24 September 2019. Submission dates and requirements will be contained in Solicitation Documents and updated via amendments posted on www.fbo.gov.

This procurement requires the use of biobased products to the extent that such products are reasonably available, meet agency or relevant industry performance standards, and are reasonably priced. Where available, these products should first be acquired from among qualified products that fall under the umbrella of items designated through the USDA BioPreferred SM Program".

It is the responsibility of the contractor to check www.fbo.gov frequently for any amendments or changes to the solicitation. The Government is not responsible for any loss of internet connectivity or for an offeror's inability to access the documents posted at the referenced website.

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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.

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.

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.
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.

The solicitation documents will be available for viewing and downloading on FedBizOpps (www.fedbizopps.gov) on or about 30 May 2019.
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.
A pre-bid conference is expected to be held at the GSWRL Riesel facility at 1:00 PM on 14 June 2019.

Proposals are expected to be due on or about 2 July 2019. Submission dates and requirements will be contained in Solicitation Documents and updated via amendments posted on www.fbo.gov.

This procurement requires the use of biobased products to the extent that such products are reasonably available, meet agency or relevant industry performance standards, and are reasonably priced. Where available, these products should first be acquired from among qualified products that fall under the umbrella of items designated through the USDA BioPreferred SM Program".

It is the responsibility of the contractor to check www.fbo.gov frequently for any amendments or changes to the solicitation. The Government is not responsible for any loss of internet connectivity or for an offeror's inability to access the documents posted at the referenced website. No CDs or hard copies will be made available.

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