Communications Uses Market Rent Study

This document provides official responses to vendor questions regarding federal Solicitation 12318726Q0077, clarifying key requirements for a professional services market-study acquisition. The contracting agency confirmed that NAICS 541611 is the governing code for this procurement. Regarding schedule, the government prefers a 120-day project completion period from the notice to proceed, though alternative schedules with justification will be considered. Key clarifications on project scope and qualifications include: * **Qualifications:** Because the project is limited to data collection and involves no valuation analysis, no formal appraisal licenses, MAI designations, or state certifications are required. * **Teaming:** Prime contractors may rely on the experience and credentials of subcontractors and teaming partners, provided they clarify the specific duties these partners will perform under the prime's supervision. * **Market Data:** There is no minimum quota for verified comparable leases; contractors must use their professional methodology and available evidence to determine sufficiency. * **Administrative Updates:** The pre-bid meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET (attendance is optional). Supply-related requirements, such as the Certificate of Conformance, have been completely removed from the solicitation. Finally, the agency confirmed that this is a brand-new initiative with no incumbent contractor, and clarified that the referenced size standard of $24.5 million refers to the bidding business's annual receipts, not a cap on the contract's award value.

The USDA Forest Service (USFS) has issued Request for Quotation (RFQ) 12318726Q0077 to secure a firm-fixed-price contract for a Communications Uses Market Rent Study. The purpose of this study is to collect and analyze current market rental data for telecommunication uses across the Western United States, specifically within Forest Service Regions 1 through 6. The results will serve as the basis to update the joint FS/BLM Communication Site Fee Schedule, ensuring annual rental fees reflect fair market value as mandated by Section 504(g) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA). The solicitation requires a Base Scope Quote and an Optional Service Quote. The Base Scope (Priority 1) covers market research for eleven primary communication use types, including AM/FM radio, television, cellular services, and internet service providers. The Optional Service (Priority 2) expands the study to include ten additional uses, such as cable television, amateur radio, and passive reflectors. Data collection will encompass leases on private, state, and local government lands, and must be analyzed across ten population-based geographic zones. Key deliverables include a comprehensive digital database of comparable lease terms and a final written market study report featuring narrative and graphical data summaries. The performance period is estimated at 120 days from the notice to proceed, with a anticipated period of performance from September 2026 to October 2027. The solicitation is unrestricted under NAICS code 541611.