NRCS-SC Historically Underserved Farmers Outreach and Education Services - SMALL BUSINESS Set-Aside
ID: 12FPC424Q0202Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OFFARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION BUSINESS CENTERFPAC BUS CNTR-ACQ DIVWASHINGTON, DC, 20250, USA

NAICS

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (541611)

PSC

SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: OTHER (R499)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Agriculture, specifically the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is seeking proposals for outreach and education services targeting historically underserved farmers in South Carolina. The initiative aims to enhance awareness of NRCS programs through the organization of a major conference for at least 100 participants and six two-day educational workshops focused on sustainable agricultural practices, including high tunnel construction. This procurement is a 100% small business set-aside, emphasizing the importance of supporting economically disadvantaged groups in agriculture. Interested contractors must submit their quotes by September 17, 2024, and direct any inquiries to Stuart Stovall at stuart.stovall@usda.gov or Oksana Strekha at oksana.strekha@usda.gov.

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    Title
    Posted
    The government solicitation RFQ# 12FPC424Q0202 seeks quotes for outreach and education services aimed at historically underserved farmers in South Carolina by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This request is a 100% set-aside for small businesses, concentrating on enhancing awareness of NRCS programs through educational workshops and a major conference targeting over 100 participants. The contract will be awarded based on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable criterion, requiring bidders to meet minimum technical standards outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The proposal must include cost breakdowns across three Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) related to labor, supplies for workshops, and travel expenses, with a total ceiling of $37,416 for travel. The performance period spans from September 30, 2024, to September 30, 2026. Interested parties must submit their quotes and any inquiries by specific deadlines, ensuring they adhere to FAR regulations throughout their submissions. Emphasizing small business participation reflects the government’s commitment to supporting economically disadvantaged groups while targeting agricultural education and assistance.
    The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks a contractor to conduct outreach and educational activities targeting historically underserved farmers and landowners in South Carolina. The initiative includes organizing a conference for at least 100 participants and conducting six two-day workshops focused on NRCS programs, sustainable agriculture practices, and high tunnel construction. The contractor is responsible for planning, logistics, and evaluating the success of these events through final reports to NRCS. Key tasks involve selecting venues, developing agendas, inviting speakers, and securing necessary materials and supplies. The contract emphasizes transparency, organization, and community engagement, with performance evaluated against specified deliverables and timelines. Ensuring confidentiality and addressing potential conflicts of interest are critical components of the contractor's responsibilities. Notably, the contract is performance-based over a two-year period, promoting NRCS's mission to expand conservation outreach among marginalized agricultural communities.
    The document details a request for quotations (RFQ) for Outreach and Education Services from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in South Carolina. It outlines the requirements for submitting proposals, emphasizing two main components: a Technical Quote and a Price Quote. The technical aspect must include a clear understanding of the tasks involved, a Quality Control Plan, and past performance on similar projects. Price quotes must be firm-fixed prices for specified services with detailed line-item breakdowns. The selection is based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable method, with proposals evaluated for compliance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Notably, all quotes must exclude assumptions or caveats that could disqualify them. The document also establishes guidelines for submitting invoices through the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform, ensuring all invoicing related to travel and services provided meets specified formats and regulations. Overall, the RFQ reinforces the importance of structured, compliant proposals aimed at assisting historically underserved farmers and landowners.
    The document addresses questions and clarifications regarding the Request for Quotation (RFQ) 12FPC424Q0202 for HU Outreach and Education in South Carolina. It confirms that this is a new requirement without an incumbent contractor. Key personnel resumes, previously required, are no longer necessary and past performance data is included within a 10-page limit. The contractor has flexibility in determining staffing levels and will be paid based on successful completion for Firm-Fixed Price tasks, while Time and Materials pricing applies only to one line item. Workshop attendance is anticipated to be 30-50, with possible external agency collaboration, and educational content can adapt based on feedback from earlier sessions. Venues must be ADA accessible but there are no strict constraints on venue types. The timeline mandates all deliverables be completed by September 30, 2026, and contractors are advised on travel guidelines and promotional material approvals. Budget allowances include meals for non-governmental attendees, while rental spaces and speaker fees were removed from quotation requirements. Overall, this RFQ outlines essential responsibilities for contractors delivering outreach and education programs, ensuring compliance with federal standards and expectations.
    The document pertains to Amendment 0002 for the NRCS-SC Outreach and Education Services under RFP 12FPC424Q0202, issued on September 13, 2024. The amendment updates specific sections of the Performance Work Statement (PWS), specifically removing the requirements for food and beverage provisions during events for non-government participants. The last sentence in Section 1.3.11.7 regarding food provisions has been deleted, along with Section 1.3.14.4, which also pertained to meals and breaks. This change clarifies that including food in the budget is no longer permissible. All other terms and conditions of the contract remain intact. The amendment serves to refine the project scope and budgetary parameters, reflecting the government's aim to streamline funding allocations and reduce costs associated with contractor provisions for food and beverages during outreach activities.
    The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking outreach and education services to engage historically underserved farmers in South Carolina. The initiative includes organizing a conference targeting at least 100 farmers and conducting six two-day workshops focused on sustainable agricultural practices, particularly the construction of high tunnels. The contractor will be responsible for planning, logistics, and executing these events, along with providing comprehensive feedback on their effectiveness and areas for improvement. Key requirements include accurately identifying target audiences, developing educational content, selecting venues, and promoting participation through various channels. Importantly, the contractor must adhere to security protocols and confidentiality agreements, ensuring the protection of sensitive information. This document outlines the contractor's responsibilities and performance standards, emphasizing NRCS’s commitment to enhancing outreach to underserved communities. The contract duration is set for two years following award, with specific deliverables and schedules to ensure timely execution of objectives. Overall, the initiative aims to expand NRCS's reach and assist historically underserved farmers in accessing valuable resources and knowledge critical for their agricultural success.
    The document outlines responses to questions regarding the Request for Quotations (RFQ) for HU Outreach and Education (12FPC424Q0202). Key points include that there is no incumbent contractor, as this is a new requirement, and resumes for Key Personnel are no longer necessary, which has simplified submission requirements. All past performance information is included within a 10-page limit. It emphasizes a firm-fixed pricing structure for most contract line items, with CLIN 0006 being on a time-and-materials basis. The workshops are expected to draw 30-50 attendees, although larger numbers are feasible, and the workshops will incorporate educational presentations from relevant agencies. The government will handle the coordination of external agencies and will allow contractors to propose speakers and promotional material formats, subject to prior approval. Travel expenses must adhere to GSA per diem rates. The document also specifies that rental and speaker fees have been removed from budget considerations, and meals are not permitted under the budget. The completion deadline is set for September 30, 2026, with no flexibility for extension. This RFQ reflects a structured approach to outreach education programs emphasizing collaboration and compliance with federal guidelines.
    The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking outreach and education services to engage historically underserved farmers in South Carolina. The initiative includes organizing a conference for at least 100 participants and conducting six two-day workshops that feature technical assistance on constructing high tunnels, aiming to increase awareness of NRCS programs among those with no prior contact. The contractor will be responsible for logistics, including securing venues, promoting events, and providing feedback on outreach effectiveness. Deliverables include progress reports, feedback on participant engagement, and a final report assessing overall communication and understanding of NRCS offerings. The contract emphasizes non-personal services, requiring contractor autonomy in task execution while adhering to security and disclosure restrictions. This effort aligns with federal goals of addressing service gaps for underserved communities in agriculture.
    The document appears to be a governmental request for proposals (RFP) centered on infrastructure development and improvements, likely related to federal grants. It emphasizes the need for collaboration among various contractors and government entities to meet specific compliance and safety standards. Key points include an assessment of existing conditions for infrastructures, such as mechanical and plumbing systems, followed by necessary renovations to meet updated regulations. The focus lies on ensuring that all projects adhere to environmental and safety guidelines, particularly concerning hazardous materials and infrastructural integrity. In addition, the document underscores the importance of systematic planning and coordination across multiple trade sectors to minimize disruptions and enhance facility functionality post-renovation. Overall, the primary objective is to streamline the proposal process for contractors while ensuring that government projects maintain high standards of safety, compliance, and efficiency throughout the execution phases.
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