NRCS Local Data Collection Central Valley, Central Sierra, CA

The Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation is soliciting quotations for Natural Resources Conservation Service local data collection services in California's Central Valley and Central Sierra regions, with proposals due September 25 and questions due September 11 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. This procurement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside restricted to concerns meeting the $19 million size standard.

Place of performance is California, covering 166 segments containing 400 data collection points across 12 counties: Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Nevada, Placer, and Sacramento. Data collection must be completed and submitted to the Local Data Collection Instrument server no later than December 31, 2026, with final invoicing due by January 30, 2027. The contract period runs approximately September 15, 2026 through March 31, 2027.

Minimum qualifications require a Bachelor's degree in Soil Science, Crop Science, or Agronomy; specific knowledge of crops and irrigation systems in the project counties; aerial photo interpretation experience; and at least two years of NRI Local Data Collection experience in the project counties. All contractors and data gatherers must sign a Confidentiality Statement prior to work commencement. The NRCS will provide a laptop computer, LDSI support materials, and online training at no charge. Payment is firm-fixed-price on a per-unit (point) basis for deliverables meeting contract quality standards.

Evaluation prioritizes technical approach—specifically the offeror's ability to meet schedule, possess minimum qualifications, and identify any PWS requirements that cannot be accomplished—over price. Award goes to the highest technically rated offeror with fair and reasonable pricing and acceptable or neutral past performance. The incumbent contractor was Sheryl Grey under Purchase Order 12FPC323P0122 (base year award of $5,815.55 for 165 segments and 389 points). NAICS code is 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services); PSC code is F999 (Other Environmental Services). Amendment 0001 was issued September 9, 2026; offerors must acknowledge receipt prior to the deadline. Applicable Service Contract Act wage determinations for Madera, Kern, Calaveras, El Dorado, Sacramento, Mariposa, Kings, Alpine, Nevada, Merced, Placer, and Amador counties have been provided, effective August 22–27, 2026.