R -- OBM CIRCULAR A-76, COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES STUDY OF CLERICAL SUPPORT SERVICES

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 Beckley, West Virginia. These services are currently being performed by Government personnel. In accordance with OMB Circular A-76, commercial offers will be compared with the Government�s 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, ability to assist District Conservationist with NRCS financial assistance programs related to delivery of Farm Bill Programs. Provide program information and assistance to NRCS staff, federal, state, local agencies and private landowners and technical service providers. Provide information to producers concerning NRCS Farm Bill financial assistance programs, including handling initial sign-ups, receiving requests for cost-sharing, processing agreements/contracts, reviewing supporting documentation, and notifying producers of approval or disapproval of requests for assistance. Develops and maintains databases containing proprietary information related to Farm Bill programs. Reviews and maintains program notices, handbook, amendments, and similar materials. Provides typist services with general computer knowledge of various software applications (such as: ms-word, excel, access, windows explorer, outlook, internet explorer, WebTCAS, etc.). Inputting computer data in various formats, compose and prepare routine correspondence, e-mails, and reviews all outgoing correspondence for proper format, correct spelling, typographical accuracy, correct grammar, and ensures proper enclosures/attachments. Types draft and final documents for a variety of technical and non-technical reports, letters, minutes of meetings, forms, etc. Prepares requests for travel, including scheduling transportation, making hotel reservations, preparing travel vouchers and inputting vouchers on-line using NRCS�s travel entry and inquiry system. Maintain and update reports, distribute and maintain files in accordance with NRCS Directives Management Regulations, records, manuals, and correspondence. Receive and distribute mail. Provide receptionist duties including answering telephones, emails, and assisting visitors. Provide timekeeping services using WebTCAS computer based system. Maintain schedule of appointments, meeting, etc. for office staff. Attend evening meetings, both at duty station and at remote locations. The lowest price technically acceptable selection process will be used with any resulting award being firm-fixed price performance based service contract. Firms will be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria listed in the request for proposal to determine technical acceptability. The NAICS Code is 561410. The solicitation will be available on or about April 21, 2003, and can be downloaded from this web site. 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 bill.doerr@wv.usda.gov. No questions will be accepted by telephone, fax, mail, or in person. All capable 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.