Sources Sought Notice: Market Research for Contract Specialist Rates

Sources Sought Notice: Market Research for Contract Specialist Rates

Posted Date: May 28, 2025  

Response Due Date: June 11, 2025, 5:00 PM EDT

NAICS Code: 561990 – This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing day-to-day business and other organizational support services (except office administrative services, facilities support services, employment services, business support services, travel arrangement and reservation services, security and investigation services, services to buildings and other structures, packaging and labeling services, and convention and trade show organizing services)

PSC Code: R408 – Support – Professional: Program Management/Support  

Contracting Office: USDA-FS CSA Northwest #3

Point of Contact: Thomas Lucas

This is a “Sources Sought Notice” issued by USDA-FS for market research purposes only, in accordance with FAR Part 10. This is NOT a solicitation and does not obligate the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract.

The purpose of this notice is to gather information on current market rates and capabilities for Senior-Level and Mid-Level Contract Specialists to inform the potential exercise of an option under an existing contract.

Description:  

The USDA-FS seeks information from industry to establish current labor rates and qualifications for the following positions:  

1. Senior-Level Contract Specialist: Responsible for overseeing complex acquisitions, developing acquisition strategies, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with FAR and agency regulations. Requires advanced expertise (typically 8+ years of experience) and may include certifications such as DAWIA Level III or FAC-C.  

2. Mid-Level Contract Specialist: Supports acquisition planning, contract administration, and compliance with FAR requirements. Requires moderate expertise (typically 3-5 years of experience) and may include certifications such as DAWIA Level II or FAC-C.

Requested Information:  

Interested vendors are requested to submit a response (not to exceed 5 pages) including:  

1. Company Overview: Brief description of your organization, including size, business status (e.g., small business, 8(a), SDVOSB), and relevant experience providing contract specialist services.  

2. Current Labor Rates Provide fully burdened hourly rates (or ranges) for Senior-Level and Mid-Level Contract Specialists in the United States, for services performed in 2025. Assume a firm fixed price arrangement with remote employee.

3. Qualifications: Describe the typical qualifications, certifications, and experience levels for your Senior-Level and Mid-Level Contract Specialists.  

4. Market Practices: Provide information on customary practices, such as contract types (e.g., firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials), discounts, or other relevant terms for similar services.  

5. Capability Statement: Confirm your ability to provide qualified personnel for these roles under a federal contract option period.

Submission Instructions:  

Responses must be submitted electronically via email to Thomas.Lucas@USDA.gov  by June, 11 2025 and 5 PM. Please include “Sources Sought Response – Contract Specialist Rates – 1240BE25Q0051” in the subject line. Submissions should be in PDF format or MS WORD and not exceed 5 pages. No phone inquiries will be accepted.

Purpose:  

The information gathered will assist the USDA-FS in evaluating the feasibility of exercising an option on an existing contract by determining fair and reasonable pricing and ensuring the availability of qualified sources in accordance with FAR 10.002 and FAR 19.501(c). This effort will also assess the potential for small business participation.

Special Instructions:  

 Responses will not be considered offers, and no contract will be awarded based on this notice.  

 Respondents are encouraged to register in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov.  

The Government does not intend to reimburse respondents for costs associated with preparing responses to this notice. All information submitted may be used for market research and acquisition planning purposes.