The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service has issued a Request for Quote (RFQ) 12FPC425Q0026 for an Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Wetland Reserve Easement (ACEP-WRE) Areawide Market Analysis. This RFQ invites vendors, especially small businesses, to submit quotations for a firm-fixed-price contract. The primary requirement is to conduct a comprehensive market analysis, with options for annual recertification and amendments over three years.
Quotes must be submitted via email by June 26, 2025, with all details such as company information and relevant experience required. An evaluation will follow the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method, assessing both price and technical capability. Contractors must adhere to safety and security requirements and will need to comply with various federal clauses related to telecommunications and labor standards.
This solicitation reflects the government's ongoing effort to enhance conservation initiatives through informed market assessments, emphasizing small business opportunities while ensuring adherence to federal procurement regulations.
The document outlines the geographic area rate caps (GARC) for the 2026 Ohio Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) program, as determined by an updated area-wide market analysis (AWMA). It lists numerous counties in Ohio across several regions, indicating the program's scope for fostering wetland restoration and conservation. The USDA, acting as an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender, has designated these counties to establish financial assistance for wetland protection efforts. The regional breakdown suggests a strategic approach to address ecological needs at the state level, facilitating targeted conservation projects within the listed areas. The document's structure emphasizes geographic delineation, ensuring clarity in the program's application parameters and its impact on local ecosystems.
The document outlines the 2026 AWMA (Agricultural Water Management Activities) program for the state of Ohio, which will be divided into 11 regions comprising its 88 counties. It primarily focuses on land-use categories pertinent to agricultural lands and their management. Key categories include irrigated and non-irrigated agricultural lands, defined as areas for producing various crops, forage, and horticulture. It specifies that agricultural lands encompass cropped woodlands, marshes, and haylands, with conditions for qualifying lands, such as those currently in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) that could be reverted to agriculture. Additionally, there is a category for all other lands that don’t fit into the agricultural classification, excluding urban sites meant for commercial or residential uses. This document serves as part of federal and state RFP frameworks, aiming to manage land resources effectively in Ohio while implementing agricultural practices designed for sustainability and productivity. The explicit definitions and land classifications reflect the governmental intent to foster regulated agricultural development across the state.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) outlines specifications for conducting Areawide Market Analyses (AWMA) as part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Wetland Reserve Easement Component (ACEP-WRE). The purpose of the AWMA is to assess the fair market value (FMV) of lands typically involved in wetland conservation efforts, particularly those linking to protections from flooding and soil saturation.
Vendors must be state-certified appraisers with a demonstrated competence in rural property analysis compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The AWMA involves analyzing specific market areas and land use types determined by NRCS and involves delivering accurate reports and recommendations based on market data, including sold properties and active listings.
The document specifies mandatory vendor qualifications, formats for reporting findings, and procedures for collaboration with NRCS personnel. Emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring of market changes, vendors are required to provide annual recertifications of FMV and submit amendments if significant changes are identified. This structured approach ensures the conservation of wetlands while providing clear guidelines for fair valuation, crucial for ongoing wetland management and conservation funding. The outlined process demonstrates the federal commitment to environmental stewardship through precise economic assessments.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting proposals through solicitation number 12FPC425Q0026 for conducting Areawide Market Analysis (AWMA) and Annual Re-certifications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) in Ohio. This solicitation is set aside for small businesses and will award a firm-fixed-price contract based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criterion. The contractor will assess fair market values of land for various uses under ACEP, adhering closely to specified guidelines and compliance with USPAP standards. Proposals must include detailed technical narratives and past performance information to demonstrate qualifications for the required analyses, along with adherence to submission deadlines. The selected vendor must possess appropriate state certification and demonstrate competency in land value analyses. Deliverables include initial and annual reports with complete market data and compliance documentation. The deadline for proposals is May 6, 2025, with queries accepted until April 29, 2025. This initiative reflects USDA's commitment to effective land management and conservation efforts.