Operation and Maintenance Support Services- USDA, ARS, New Orleans, LA   3

Background
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC), herein after referred to as the “Center,” is located at 1100 Allen Toussaint Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana. ARS Research Centers are agricultural research centers authorized by Congress in 1938 “ to conduct research into and to develop new scientific chemical and technical uses and new and extended markets and outlets for farm commodities and products and by-products thereof.” The complex at 1100 Allen Toussaint Blvd. consists of twenty-four (24) buildings and a complete utilities system, sophisticated environmental controls, and a variety of specialized laboratories and rooms, all located on approximately thirty-three (33) acres. The complex presently contains approximately 400,000 square feet of floor space. Basic utilities are purchased from public utility companies. Government scientists, with the aid of research technicians, assistants, and students, conduct agricultural research at the Center. The Center is led by a Director (CD) with the assistance of an Administrative Officer (AO) and staff that generally includes a ’s Representative (COR), and a Facility Operations Specialist (FOS). Research personnel are organized into a series of Research Units, each overseen by a Research Leader. This contract will be overseen by an ARS (CO) whom will most likely not be located at the Center. The work of the Center relates to both chemical and biological research of national interest. Chemical and biological hazards are part of the working environment, and a series of safety protocols are enforced to ensure chemical safety, bio-safety, and bio-security throughout the Center. The support of this research requires a large number of laboratories, many of which are furnished with extremely complex and expensive test equipment requiring closely controlled environments to function properly. Historically the responsiveness, meaningful communication, and skill provided by Contractor employees in maintaining, repairing, and restoring operations and control of the facilities has been critical for the protection of the integrity of the research programs being conducted at the Center.

Work Details
The procurement consists of Operations and Maintenance Support Services for Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC). The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, tools, equipment, spare parts, and materials for the operation and maintenance, facilities operations, management and administrative support services to the USDA ARS SRRC in New Orleans, LA.

Period of Performance
The solicitation is anticipated to be issued around December 5, 2023.
A site visit is anticipated around mid-December 2023.
The contract is anticipated to be awarded in March 2024 with a performance start date of April 1, 2024.

Place of Performance
LOCATION: New Orleans, LA