USDA, ARS, FD, FCB, 6303 Ivy Lane, Room 616A, Greenbelt, Maryland 20770-1433

Y -- CONSTRUCTION OF CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT FACILITY, BELTSVILLE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER, BELTSVILLE, MARYLAND SOL 8188-3K15-96 DUE 061096 POC Contact Point, Anthony Wimbush, 301-344-0298 Y--Presolicitation Notice. The Government intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for technical and cost proposals for construction of a Controlled Environmental Facility at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland. The work will include providing all labor, material, equipment, supplies, transportation, etc., for the construction of a new, one-story, 20,000 S.F. building to support agricultural research. The building will house and provide utility support for 66 growth chambers which provide controlled temperature, light, nutrient, and other environmental parameters for use in research into plant growth. The building will include: housing for growth chambers, offices, laboratory space, connecting link to two adjoining buildings, insecticide storage, heating, electrical support and mechanical chilling support for the growth chambers and building needs, landscaping, and a parking lot. The miscellaneous systems will include: building and equipment computer control system, potable water, demineralized water, liquid nutrients and their distribution systems, and a CO2 supply and distribution system. The estimated cost of construction is between $3,000,000 and $5,000,000. The time for completion of construction is 366 calendar days after the notice to proceed is issued. Sets of plans and specifications will be available for a NONREFUNDABLE charge of $150 (check or money order) made payable to USDA, Agricultural Research Service. A written request, along with the check or money order, shall be submitted to Bernard Johnson Young, Inc., 6705 Rockledge Drive, 3rd Floor, Bethesda, MD 20817, Attention: Brad Linden. The solicitation is scheduled to be issued on or about June 10, 1996, with proposals due on or about July 10, 1996. Proposals will be requested in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations Part 15, Contracting by Negotiation. No formal bid opening will be conducted. Offers will be evaluated on the basis of technical and cost as specified in the solicitation. The Government reserves the right to award without discussions. (0138)

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