Phase II Study of Existing Wells with Declining Output

Solicitation Number: 12305B21Q0072

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, and is being conducted according to FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) North East Area (NEA) issues this Request for Quotes (RFQ) and incorporates provisions and clauses that are in effect through FAC 2021-06.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541620 Environmental Consulting Services; small business size standard is $15.0 Mill.

PROJECT INTENT:  The National Cold-Water Marine Aquaculture Center (NCWMAC) in Franklin, ME is  utilized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA,ARS) to manage a national research program to address the cold-water marine aquaculture industry’s highest priority research needs.  The NCWMAC facility cultures all life stages of the Atlantic salmon. The facility utilizes a series of fresh and brackish water wells to create the specific salinity levels in the habitat required by the Atlantic Salmon based upon their stage of development. 

1. DOCUMENTATION OF EXISTING SITE FEATURES Map the existing site features in order to:

   1. Establish the exact locations and elevations of all existing wells
   2. Identify the location of three (3) proposed exploratory wells
   3. Utilize publicly available LIDAR data to develop supplemental topography
   4. Delineate wetlands on the entire USDA property
2. BOREHOLE INVESTIGATIONS
   1. Perform borehole geophysical investigations
3. WATER LEVEL AND FLOW MONITORING EQUIPMENT
   1. Establish a long-term monitoring network for all USDA wells
4. DELIVERABLES
   1. Provide recommendations for addressing the declining yields.

Total Project Time: 228 days

DELIVERY TO: USDA-ARS-Project Location: Franklin ME

IMPORTANT NOTICE: All contractors submitting bids, proposals, or quotes on USDA solicitations must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database. Failure to register in the SAM database will make an Offeror ineligible for award.  The SAM website can be accessed at www.sam.gov/portal/SAM

The Government intends to post all notices/amendments related to this solicitation on government point of entry (GPE) Contract Opportunities at https://beta.sam.gov/. Any additional amendments and/or documents related to this procurement will be available electronically only. Potential Quoters will be responsible for downloading their own copy of those documents related to this procurement, if any. Offerors are encouraged to check the FBO web site frequently in order to be notified of any changes to this solicitation. Interested vendors should reference the solicitation documents for all terms and conditions, evaluation factors and submission requirements. 

The Government intends to award a Firm fixed-price contract.

SELECTION PROCESS: Pending availability of funding, the basis for any potential award is BE MOST ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE GOVERNMENT, PRICE AND OTHER FACTORS CONSIDERED. Only one award will be made under this solicitation based on availability of funding.

In order to be considered for award OFFERORS SHALL SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:

1. Submit documentation showing technical capability to meet or exceed Performance Elements and Benchmarks in the SOW.
2. Submit Firm Fixed Price quotation (Quote on company letterhead) detailing the description, total price and valid for at least 60 days after receipt of quote. Delivered FOB Destination inclusive of all costs.
3. Submit DUNS# with quotation.
4. Submit two separate Past Performance References with contact information for recent contracts of similar scope to this requirement.
5. A completed copy of the provisions FAR 52-212.3, OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS.

REJECTION OF QUOTATION: Failure to demonstrate compliance will be cause to reject the quote without further discussions. All responsible sources may submit an offer which will be considered.

All questions regarding this announcement must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer, via email to Mark.Volk@usda.gov.  Telephone requests for information will not be accepted or returned.

Furnish Quotes by email to Mark O. Volk, Contracting Officer, USDA, ARS, NEA, Contracting Office, no later than 3:00 p.m. EST, September, 7 2021.

DISCUSSIONS: The Government intends to award without discussions, but reserves the right to conduct discussions should it be deemed in the Government's best interest.

Biobased Products:  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.  The products should first be acquired from the USDA designated product categories.  All supplies and materials shall be of a type and quantity that conform to applicable Federal specifications and standards, and to the extent feasible and reasonable, include the exclusive use of biobased and recycled products.  Please visit www.biopreferred.gov for more information on the USDA Biobased Program and to reference the catalog of mandatory biobased products.