Inspection Services Potting Machine Installation

THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Under the authority of FAR 13.106, the USDA FS International Institute of Tropical Forestry intends to award, on a sole source basis, a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order (PO) for 2 months.

The State and Private Forestry Unit of the International Institute of Tropical Forestry requires a Project Inspector to supervise the installation of a new potting machine at the El Vivero Central Cambalache owned by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. This state Agency is the primary tree nursery in Puerto Rico and supplies most trees for all 7 regional nurseries in the island. The potting machine, which has been acquired through a separate procurement contract, will be used to improve the capacity in Puerto Rico to produce quality plant material for the implementation of reforestation projects. The potting machine will be installed in the El Vivero Central Cambalache Tree Nursery, located in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Reforestation in Puerto Rico is a priority for the restoration and resilience of our forest resources in rural and urban setting.

Project Inspector will conduct site inspection before and during the potting machine is installed. Project Inspector will serve as the liaison between contractor and the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Will coordinate with the contractor the days and times will be at the site. Duties related to the inspector include, among other duties, oversee the preparation of the installation site, inspect the installation of the potting machine and all work-related including improvement of electrical system, ensure compliance of standards and specifications, document inspections and communicate any potential violations to the COR, and perform quality assurance testing and trouble shooting. Project inspector will discuss with contractor unforeseen circumstances that might result in delays. Inspector will also work with contractor and supplier to coordinate and offer contracted training to Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) employees. Inspector will supervise compliance of COVID-19 safety protocols applicable and following the Governor or Puerto Rico most recent executive order in the topic.

Basis for sole source the incumbent was the inspector for the nursery rehabilitation at Cambalache and the person to write up the Statement of Work for the procurement and installation of a new efficient processing potting machine to support the reforestation projects developed by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (PR DNER). Project includes relocation and upgrades, as needed, of existing electrical system related to the safe operation of the machine and a comprehensive operational plan and a preventive maintenance schedule.

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. This is a notice of intent to solicit and award a sole source contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). The anticipated award date is 2 Jun 2022. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement is 541330 - Engineering Services, and the size standard is $16.5M.

However, all interested parties who believe they can meet the requirements are invited to submit in writing complete information describing their ability to provide the product/services listed above. All inquiries on this action can be submitted in writing via e-mail to Amelia Davila, Contracting Officer, amelia.davila-garcia@usda.gov no later than 29 May 2022 at 11:59PM EST.

A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. All information shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the Government.