Updated Q&A:USDA FS Clinician support services for Oconaluftee JCCC

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service seeks clinician support services for the Oconaluftee Job Corps Conservation Center in Cherokee, North Carolina, with proposals due July 27, 2026 at 4:30 PM PT and questions due July 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM PT. This is a total small business set-aside under NAICS 561990 (size standard $16.5 million).

The solicitation number is 1282A726Q0048. Place of performance is Cherokee, NC; the contracting officer is Nicole L. Green, and inquiries should be directed to Dennis Cantrell at 720-647-9914 or dennis.cantrell@usda.gov.

The government is procuring Drug/Alcohol Abuse Counselor services at an estimated quantity of 1,040 hours. The base contract period runs August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027, with only the first six months funded at award; the remaining six months will be funded via modification when funds become available. A six-month extension option may be exercised at the government's discretion. Quoters must price all 12 months and pre-price the six-month extension option.

The Drug/Alcohol Abuse Counselor must hold an active, unrestricted substance abuse license or certification meeting state minimum requirements and maintain professional liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate. Key personnel require DOL approval prior to award or replacement, must consent to criminal background checks and drug testing, and must submit credentials (resumes, licenses, certifications, insurance documentation) after award and prior to performance commencement. Services are subject to Service Contract Act wage determinations.

Award will be made on a best value tradeoff basis, with technical capability weighted more heavily than price. Evaluation criteria include technical capability, past performance (rated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable), and price fairness and reasonableness. The contract is firm-fixed-price with payment by electronic funds transfer. Contractors must comply with Paid Sick Leave requirements, Personal Identity Verification procedures, and anti-discrimination/DEI compliance certifications.