This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format found in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes THE ONLY SOLICITATION; pricing proposals are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. The Government is seeking pricing FOR: Avian Influenza testing of migratory birds is a high priority for Region 7 of the USFWS. The Service has set a goal of sampling individuals of some 26 species of bird species. Five of the shorebird species, including Dunlin, Ruddy Turnstone, Pectoral Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, and Buff-breasted Sandpiper, breed on the Prudhoe Bay and Kuparuk oil fields. The density and diversity of other shorebirds and the large number of Buff-breasted Sandpiper leks at Prudhoe Bay, especially when coupled with the access provided by the oil field road system, make this an idea location to sample birds for avian influenza.The solicitation number for this request is 70181-9-R159 and the solicitation is being issued as a request for pricing proposals (RFP). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through the current Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC 05-22) and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). This is a small business set-aside procurement, however all interested parties are encouraged to respond. This requirement is being advertised under NAICS classification code: 541990. WORK DESCRIPTION: Funds will pay the contractor to capture and sample shorebirds for avian influenza (see detailed products below). PRODUCTS: The successful contractor will be responsible for managing the project and completing the tasks described below by 30 September 2009. The contractor will provide the following services and products:(1) Primary objective: Locate nests and display areas, and then capture and sample up to 25 Dunlin, 40 Pectoral Sandpipers, 50 Buff-breasted Sandpipers and five Long-billed Dowitchers for avian influenza (oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs) during the breeding season at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, between 25 May and 7 July 2009. (2) Secondary Objective: Field personnel will also collect feathers and blood samples from all individuals of all species to enable us to determine migratory pathways of shorebirds using genetics and stable isotope techniques. All individuals will be banded with a U.S. Geological Survey metal band. For Dunlin, individual birds will also be color-banded to allow resighting of birds in Asia where they winter. Evaluation: The successful contractor should be rated based on the following:(1) Proven track record of gaining access to and working on shorebirds in the Prudhoe Bay and Kuparuk oil fields in the past. This will require a track record of working collaboratively with BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc and ConocoPhillips, and conducting studies of shorebirds on the oil fields. Such experience will ensure the project begins (i.e., access to the fields is gained) and that the contractor will know where shorebirds are located. (2) Previous history of successfully collecting avian influenza samples from shorebirds or other birds in the past.(3) Ability to band shorebirds - this will require the contractor have a staff member that has a Master Banding Permit through the U.S. Geological Survey's Bird Banding Laboratory. The Provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The applicability of FAR Clause 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial items applies, and the specific criteria to be used for evaluation shall be as follows:1) Total Price (low bid)2) Additional discounts and/or rebates Offeror's must supply a completed copy of the provision found at FAR 52.212-3, Oferor Representations and Certifications-Commercial items when responding to this solicitation. Online at: http://www.ustda.gov/businessopps/dmdocs/FAR52.212-3.pdf The Provision found at FAR 52.216-02, Economic Price Adjustment shall be included in this solicitation to make changes for the cost of fuel increases or decreases. The Clause found at FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The Clause found at FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items applies to this solicitation. POINT OF CONTACT: This combined synopsis/solicitation is a request for competitive pricing proposals. Offeror's interested in submitting pricing proposals, or requiring additional information on this solicitation should contact: A.) Rick Lanctot, US Fish & Wildlife Service for TECHNICAL/LOGISTICS QUESTIONS; 907 786 3609 email:
[email protected] B) Dennis J. Hermannes, Contracting Officer, US Fish and Wildlife Service, (907) 786-3412, fax (907) 786-3923, email:
[email protected] PROPOSAL SUBMISSION: Pricing Proposals must be received at the following address prior to the closing date of this solicitation. Closing date of this solicitation is JUNE 3rd, 2009 by 2 pm.Alaska time.: US Fish and Wildlife Service Mail Stop-171 1011 East Tudor Rd Anchorage, AK 99503-6619 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Evaluation of proposals received will be made approximately one to three days after the closing date of this solicitation. Contract award is estimated to be made within three (3) days following price proposal evaluation, on or about June 6, 2009.