The United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has a requirement for clerical services. This is an OMB Circular A-76 Cost Comparison Study. The purpose of this study is to determine the most cost-effective method of providing these services for Moscow, Idaho. Government personnel are currently performing these services. In accordance with OMB Circular A-76, commercial offers will be compared with the Governments costs to perform the above services. The commercial proposals will not result in a contract if Government performance is determined to be more cost advantageous. The duties include, but are not limited to using computer hardware and software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access in addition to agency generated computer programs like the RC&D Information and Management System to create and edit a wide variety of technical material, correspondence, news releases, reports, schedules, minutes from RC&D council meetings, and informational and statistical material; developing and maintaining RC&D council website; collecting or developing required information to write and prepare in final format a variety of public information materials including fact sheets, brochures, annual reports, news articles, feature stories and human interest pieces; managing incoming and outgoing telephone calls; receiving visitors and responding to them in a professional manner; communicating with partnership employees and RC&D Council members in a courteous and respectful manner; distributing public information material, annual reports, meeting notices, correspondence, etc. to RC&D project sponsors, elected officials, community leaders, news media and cooperating agencies; assisting in organizing annual and regular meetings of the RC&D Council including facility arrangements and program development; arranging for facilities as needed for project activities; maintaining filing systems, technical manuals and case files, ordering supplies and maintaining office equipment; processing travel requests, travel vouchers, schedule and arrange travel for assigned staff and RC&D Council members; performing timekeeping duties for approximately twenty-nine employees; performing reproduction/duplication services as requested; handling incoming and outgoing mail; utilizing automated communication techniques (fax, email, voice messaging, etc); and assisting with project implementation through such activities as summarizing research information, collecting statistics, grant preparation and management, and scheduling meetings with project sponsors. Any contract resulting from this solicitation will have a one-year base period and four one-year options. The lowest price technically acceptable selection process will be used with any resulting award being a firm-fixed price performance based service contract. Technical and cost proposals will be required. This solicitation is being solicited as small business set aside. NAICS Code: 561110. Size Standard: $6.0 million. The solicitation will be available on or about May 5, 2003, and will be available solely through the Federal Business Opportunities website at http://www.fedbizopps.gov. Instructions for downloading the solicitation are available at this website. Hard copies of the solicitation document will not be available. All questions must be directed to the contracting officer in writing by e-mail at [email protected], by facsimile to 208-378-5735, or by letter to Janis Stanton, Contracting Officer, USDA-NRCS, 9173 W. Barnes Dr., Ste. C, Boise, Idaho 83709-1555. No questions will be accepted by telephone. The anticipated date for receipt of proposals is on or about June 5, 2003. All responsible sources may submit a proposal, which shall be considered by the Agency. The U. S. Government reserves the right to retain the work in-house and make no contract award.

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