Annual Inspection & Certification of the EDS

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for commercial items, specifically for the annual inspection and certification of an effluent decontamination system (EDS). The acquisition is being conducted by USDA ARS Acquisition and Property D.

• Annual certification for the EDS System.

• Filter integrity testing (20 units).

• Supply of 10 Graver Teftec Filters (20 units).

• These services are further detailed in an attached Statement of Work (SOW).

• The solicitation number is 232SA2600503.

• The offer due date is May 4, 2026, at 1600 CT.

• The base period of performance is July 20, 2026, to July 19, 2027.

• The contract includes three option years, each for one year of service, with corresponding delivery and performance periods:

  • Option Year 1: July 20, 2027, to July 19, 2028
  • Option Year 2: July 20, 2028, to July 19, 2029
  • Option Year 3: July 20, 2029, to July 19, 2030

• Bidders are required to complete blocks 12, 17, 23, 24, and 30 of the SF-1449 form.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5 by reference.

• The acquisition is unrestricted.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 541330, with a size standard of $25.5 million.

• The delivery point is FOB Destination.

• The solicitation includes an attached SOW detailing the specific requirements for the EDS system certification and filter supply.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the Statement of Work (SOW) for the NEA Foreign Disease Weed Science Research Unit (FDWSRU) Containment Facility EDS System, located in Building 374.

• Annual Inspection & Certification of the Effluent Decontamination System (EDS):

  • Testing of specific system components, including valves, instrumentation, and calibration.
  • Inspection of all utilities required for system operation (steam, water, air).
  • Temperature controls and pressure checks.
  • Monitoring of system performance for early diagnosis of potential problems.

• Replace Filter Cartridges:

  • Test existing condensate filters for integrity using the water intrusion method.
  • Each filter must be tested individually.
  • Replace any filters that fail testing.
  • Retest new filters before installation.

• The SOW pertains to the EDS System at the NEA Foreign Disease Weed Science Research Unit (FDWSRU) Containment Facility, Building 374.

• Specific testing methods for filter integrity are required.

• All replaced filters must undergo retesting.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the annual inspection & certification of the Effluent Decontamination System (EDS) for processing liquid waste from a Biosafety Level 3 Plant Pathogen Containment Facility. The requirement is for the USDA-ARS NEA Foreign Disease Weed Science Research Unit (FDWSRU).

• Annual inspection and certification of the EDS.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-fixed-price requirements contract.

• Period of Performance: One (1) one-year base period and three (3) one-year option periods, for a total duration not to exceed four (4) years.

• Base Year: 07/20/2026 - 07/19/2027

• Option Year 1: 07/20/2027 - 07/19/2028

• Option Year 2: 07/20/2028 - 07/19/2029

• Option Year 3: 07/20/2029 - 07/19/2030

• Pricing is required for each year.

• Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to Jessica Pacheco at jessica.pacheco@usda.gov.

• Submission deadline for questions: April 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Time.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• Evaluation will be based on the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) criteria.

• Technical Acceptability will be rated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on the offeror's ability to provide a sound and compliant approach.

• Past Performance will also be evaluated.

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

• The document lists numerous FAR clauses, including several related to small business concerns (e.g., 52.219-4, 52.219-6, 52.219-8, 52.219-9, 52.219-14, 52.219-33). Specific set-aside information is not explicitly stated in the provided pages, but these clauses suggest potential considerations for small businesses.

• The solicitation incorporates by reference numerous FAR clauses and provisions. Full text is available upon request or electronically at https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52.

• Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov.

• The technical package must include a detailed explanation of the company's capability, technical and management approach, and experience with similar projects within the last five years, including scope, dollar value, period of performance, project location, and contact information.

• Service Contract Labor Standards apply.

• The document also includes information on agency protests and the Ombudsman program.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT" for the State of Maryland, specifically for the counties of Frederick and Montgomery. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work subject to the Service Contract Act (SCA).

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles, ranging from administrative support to technical and miscellaneous occupations.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that "Fringe Benefits Required Follow the Occupational Listing," implying a separate schedule or standard for fringe benefits.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders (EO) 13706 and 13658 regarding paid sick leave and minimum wage rates, respectively.
• Details vacation and holiday policies applicable to contractors.
• Outlines specific requirements for computer employees, air traffic controllers, and hazardous pay differentials.
• Provides information on uniform allowances and the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (conformance process).

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing the contract. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these determined rates to comply with the Service Contract Act. Failure to comply can lead to penalties. It helps in accurately estimating labor costs for proposals and ensuring fair compensation for employees working on the contract.