Program Clerical Services throughout South Dakota

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested. Solicitation AG-6740-S-11-0006 is issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP).

 This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-38. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses and provisions referenced in this solicitation can be found respectively in full text format at http://www.arnet.gov/far and http://www.da.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar_x/agar04.pdf.

The United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), South Dakota State Office intents to award an firm fixed price contract with a one year base and up to four one-year option periods to a small business capable of providing clerical support services in support of various Farm Bill Programs at various office locations in South Dakota. A list of offices is being provided with this announcement along with an estimated number of hours for each location. This is a Total Small Business Set Aside. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 561110, with a business size standard is $7 million.

The contractor shall furnish all personnel necessary to assist the NRCS' offices in managing various Farm Bill programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), Conservation Security/Stewardship Program (CSP), Grassland Reserve Program (GRP), Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), as well as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and miscellaneous cooperative and contribution agreements. Duties may consist of collecting and assembling cost data, servicing program application and contracts, processing payment application requests, and reviewing open obligations. In addition, contractor personnel will be responsible for establishing and maintaining contracting files and producer records. This includes receiving and assembling program applications, collecting producer eligibility, vendor information, signature authority, compiling contract documentation including, but not limited to, conservation plans, maps, photographs, resource data and technical material. The Government will furnish the use of Government computers and Government vehicles (under certain contracts) to accomplish the work. Contracted personnel may be permitted to use Government-owned vehicles (GOV), if applicable, for official NRCS assigned work in accordance with Agricultural Property Management Regulations, Paragraph 102-34.230. If permitted to use the Government vehicles, these individuals must hold a valid state driver's license to be able to operate a GOV, and they must follow the contractor's and the NRCS' vehicle use policies.

Contracted personnel must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Proficient in typing;
2. Knowledgeable and experienced in using a variety of computer hardware and software applications, i.e. Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel and Access;
3. Able to use electronic mail systems, i.e., Microsoft Outlook and internet browsers, i.e. Microsoft explorer;
4. Knowledgeable and experienced in operating small office machines, i.e. calculators, fax machines, copy machines, etc.
5. Knowledgeable and experienced in general office procedures, i.e. reports, spreadsheets, filing, etc;
6. Skillful in working with the general public;
7. Capable of working independently;
8. Possess basic telephone skills; and
9. Detail oriented.

In addition, the contractor's personnel must under a security clearance process at the time of contract award.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period of performance being sought for these services is from October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012.

STANDARDS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The provisions of FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items applies to this acquisition. Offerors must submit a completed copy of the provisions at FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items with their offer. In addition, the provisions of FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items and FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial items apply to this solicitation and are attached.

EVALUATION PROCEDURES: The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

1. Technical capability.
2. Price
3. Past Performance

Technical and past performance when combined are equal to price.

CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION: All contractors must be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) to be awarded a BPA. You may register easily and quickly online at www.ccr.gov or 1-888-227-2423. The first step to registering is to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, which is a unique nine-character identification number provided by the commercial company Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). To request a DUNS number call D&B at the toll free number 1-866-705-5711 or register online at http://www.dnb.com/ccr/register.html. Obtaining a DUNS number through this process is free of charge. It is advised that you begin this process as soon as possible since it can take several days to complete. Failure to register by close of business on the third day after notification of possible award by the Contracting Officer, may cause rejection of your offer.

Interested Offerors wishing to be considered for this requirement shall reply in writing to the individual noted below no later than September 16, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time. Offers should be addressed to the following:

United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
ATTN: Andrea Kannegeiter
200 Fourth Street SW
Huron, SD 57350

Please the solicitation number in the upper left corner of the envelope. Offerors must submit the following to the address noted above:

1. Provide Contractor Name, Address, Phone, Fax, and Email.
2. Return the completed "Schedule" specifying pricing for the list of tentative locations and estimate of hours anticipated at each location.
3. Describe staffing level that will enable you to perform simultaneously at each of the locations identified.
4. Provide qualification information for key personnel (any any regularly and frequently used sub-contractors) expected to participate in the work under the contract, this information should include years of experience, types of services performed, and experience in the areas proposed.
5. Provide a listing of previous experience in completing Government requested clerical support services, including a point of contact for each Government clerical support services contract you have previously worked on. In the alternative, provide a list of references and letters of recommendation with company seal or logo.