USDA, APHIS, Field Servicing Office, Butler Square West, 5th Floor, 100 North 6th St., Minneapolis, MN 55403

F -- SURVEY TREES FOR ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLE SOL RFP 81-M-APHIS-00 DUE 072000 POC Robert J. Crowther, Contracting Officer. Telephone: (612) 370-2115. E-mail: bob.j.crowther@usda.gov WEB: Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services, http://www.aphis.usda.gov/mpls/contracts/cbd.html. E-MAIL: </PRESOL>, gloria.j.benson@usda.gov. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is soliciting offers for a contract(s) to survey trees for detection of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), Anoplphora glabripennnis (Motschulsky) in conjunction with officials of the State of Illinois. APHIS is planning to survey trees that are hosts for the ALB for signs of infestation. The program is necessary to reduce the potential for damage from this major pest of trees. The Asian longhorned beetle bores into and kills a variety of tree species including species of maple, elm, chestnut, birch, poplar, ash, and willow. This nonnative pest has the potential to spread to other areas of the United States and cause extensive losses to ornamental and commercial tree species. As a consequence, the Secretary of Agriculture has declared an emergency and is committing extensive resources to eliminate this pest and restore the urban forest. The work will include survey by bucket truck, tree climber, or any other means to thoroughly inspect trees on public and private property as directed. The Asian longhorned beetle currently infests the following Areas in the Chicago area of the State of Illinois: Chicago, Revenswood, Kilbourn Park, Addison (DuPage County), Summit, and All Saints. APHIS reserves the right to award more than one contract, however, at this time the Contracting Officer anticipates awarding a single contract for the Chicago area.. Firm., fixed price contracts will be awarded, covering the period from date of award (approximately on or before August 1, 2000) through September 30, 2000, and will include unilateral options to extend the effective period on a month-to-month basis for up to an additional 15 months, but not beyond December 31, 2001. SIC Code: 0783; Small Business Size Standard: $5.0 million average annual receipts over three years. All responsible sources may submit an offer for consideration, however, evaluation preference will be given to responsive and responsible offerors that qualify as HubZone small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, or women-owned small businesses, in accordance with the evaluation criteria identified for the solicitation. The solicitation will be released on or about June 30, 2000. For a copy of the solicitation, please fax or e-mail a written request to (612) 370-2106, or gloria.j.benson@usda.gov. The solicitation number must be included on each request. The solicitation will be posted on the Contracting Office web site as soon as it is available. Reference http://www.aphis.usda.gov/mpls/contracts/cbd.html. Posted 06/22/00 (W-SN467529). (0174)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0044 20000626\F-0001.SOL)