NRCS - Southern California National Resources Inventory (NRI) Data Collection Services

The USDA NRCS-Southern California is soliciting bids for National Resources Inventory (NRI) data collection services, as detailed in solicitation number 12FPC326Q0007. This Request for Quotation (RFQ) is set aside for 100% small business concerns, with offers due by April 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. The contractor will be responsible for furnishing personnel, supplies, and materials to collect specified inventory data on one or two data collection points within selected sample segments across southern California. This includes collecting landscape, soil, ecological site, rangeland health, plant identification, disturbance indicator, sagebrush shape, resource concern, conservation practice, plant species composition, plant cover, density, and height data. Data must be entered into hand-held computers using NRCS-approved software (CASI) and submitted to the Iowa State University Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology (ISU server). The government anticipates awarding one firm fixed-price contract with a base period and four one-year option periods, not exceeding 60 months in total. Evaluation will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method, considering personnel qualifications/technical capability, compliance/capacity/management capability, and past experience before price. Active SAM registration is mandatory. Proposals must include a technical capability narrative, completed quote sheet, vendor information sheet, and active SAM registration. Questions are due by April 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking a contractor for the 2026 National Resources Inventory (NRI) Grazing Land On-Site Data Collection in Southern California. This contract involves collecting rangeland resources data on selected sample sites on Federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. The contractor will be responsible for furnishing personnel, materials, and transportation, and collecting specific data elements in accordance with the 2026 NRCS National Resources Inventory Grazing Land On-Site Data Collection Handbook of Instructions. The work includes GPS navigation, transect layouts, soil observations, landscape parameters, and vegetation data. The project has a base period (FY26) and four option periods (FY27-FY30). Data collectors must meet specific education and experience requirements and will undergo mandatory NRCS-provided training. The contractor is responsible for securing private landowner permission for access if needed, and payment is contingent on the quality and completeness of data submitted to the Iowa State University (ISU) server.

Attachment 2 details the pricing schedule for the Southern California NRI program, spanning a base year from April 2026 to January 2027 and four subsequent option years, each covering February 1 to January 31. The schedule outlines costs for "Federal Points" and "Training/Calibration" for each period. Federal Points are estimated at 276 for the base year and 330 for each option year, with quantities subject to adjustment. A significant aspect is the provision for "inaccessible" Federal Points, where the unit price shall not exceed 50% of the proposed Federal Points price for that year. The document clarifies that the quantities for option periods are estimates and will be adjusted upon exercise. Payment is contingent on delivered and accepted quantities. Historical data for 2024 is provided for reference but does not dictate future needs. The pricing for option years is primarily for evaluation purposes, with the government only paying for services rendered and accepted.

The "VENDOR INFORMATION SHEET" is a required attachment for government solicitations, such as RFPs or grants. It collects essential business details from offerors, including their name, business name, address, phone number, and a point of contact email. Additionally, it requires the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and, if applicable, a GSA Contract number. A crucial component of this sheet is the verification of the vendor's registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), along with the submission of a copy of their SAM record. The form concludes with spaces for the printed name, date, and signature of an authorized representative, confirming the accuracy of the provided information and the vendor's compliance with federal registration requirements.

The document details various Wage Determinations under the Service Contract Act for multiple California counties (Riverside, San Bernardino, Mono, Imperial, and Inyo), all indicating required fringe benefits and uniform allowances. Each determination is directed by Daniel W. Simms, the Director of the Wage and Hour Division, with the latest revisions dated 12/03/2025. Wage Determination numbers and revision statuses are provided for each county.