As many as 1,000 technical and clerical jobs might be involved, said Patty Brown, team leader of NRCS’s national competitive sourcing team in Washington. NRCS employs about 12,000 people.

NRCS state offices are managing the competitions and conversions. Most of the studies envision statewide contracts covering several offices, each with only a handful of employees, Brown said in an interview. Some of the solicitations are small business set-asides.

Competitive sourcing studies are being conducted in several categories:
•clerical and administrative support, NAICS code 561110;
•mail room services, NAICS code 561210;
•soil conservation technician services, NAICS code 541990;
•soil conservation technical services, NAICS code 541990; and
•soil mapping services, NAICS code 541370.

To see the notices, go to www.fedbizopps.gov and search by individual states under Department of Agriculture.

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The Agriculture Department’s Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services plans to issue an RFP for nationwide administrative support services as part of an A-76 competitive sourcing effort. This is currently planned as a small business set-aside. The NAICS is 561110. The RFP, number FNS-03-003-JTR, will be posted on FedBizOpps around March 28. Contact Joe Rainey at 703-305-2260.

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The Energy Department’s annual Small Business Conference is scheduled May 12-15 in Albuquerque, NM. Contracting officers and program managers and its major prime contractors are expected to attend, and more than a dozen other agencies will also be represented, according to Theresa Alvillar-Speake, director of Energy’s Office of Minority Impact and Diversity. For information, go to www.smallbusiness-outreach/doe.gov.

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The Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District plans to issue a solicitation for Rapid/Immediate Response Services. This is a small business set-aside. The NAICS Code is 562910. The contractor will perform nationwide (Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. Territories) all work necessary to complete RR/IR requirements at confirmed or suspected hazardous, toxic and radioactive waste sites. This indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract is worth up to $115 million over five years. The RFP, number DACA45-03-R-0022, will be issued around March 24. Details are available to subscribers of www.epipeline.com.

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The Army’s Northern Region Contracting Center plans a solicitation for systems engineering and technical assistance services to support the Futures Development Integration Center, Fort Sill, OK. This is a small business set-side. The NAICS code is 541710. The solicitation, number DABJ01-03-R-0032, will be posted around April 16 at http://www.tac.eustis.army.mil under “Business Opportunities.” Contact Joyce Jenkins at 757-878-1351 ext. 3256 or joyce.jenkins@eustis.army.mil.

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The Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport (RI) intends to negotiate for administrative and technical support for its Financial Management Department, Workforce Effectiveness Department and Supply Management Office. This is a small business set-aside. The NAICS Code is 541513. The work will consist primarily of on-site support for computer systems, computer programs, and data-processing facilities in those departments. The incumbent is Aquidneck Management Associates. The RFP, number N66604-03-R-0665, will be available when released at http://www.npt.nuwc.navy.mil/contract/. Contact Carol Boehler at 401-832-1489.

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The National Women’s Business Council, a federal advisory group, is seeking qualified women-owned firms in three areas:
•market research firms with on-staff interviewers, CATI capability, demonstrated experience in business-related research, and analytical services;
•a graphic design firm to develop a thematic look for NWBC publications and other materials including stationery, brochures, report covers, the Council’s website, and an electronic newsletter; and
•a full-service printing firm for use in printing letterhead, envelopes, business cards, and bound reports. The ability to handle electronic documents is also necessary.

Send corporate capabilities information, and address your questions, to Jill A. Baker, Director of Research, National Women’s Business Council, 409 3rd Street, SW, Suite 210, Washington, DC  20024 or e-mail jill.baker@sba.gov.

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The Air Force Education and Training Command at Sheppard AFB, TX, plans a solicitation to provide visual information services. This is an 8(a) set-aside. The NAICS code is 541430. Services include graphic, photo, and training development media products. The solicitation, number R41612-03-R-0011, will be released on FedBizOpps around April 21. Contact brenda.wehmeier@sheppard.af.mil.

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The Defense Contracting Command Washington is seeking contractors to provide Human Resource Support Services for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Manpower and Reserve Affairs. This is a full and open competition. Four indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity multiple award contracts are anticipated. The RFP will be available around April 18 at http://dccw.hqda.pentagon.mil/services/RFP1.asp. Contact Sue.Kinsey@hqda.army.mil.

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The VA Medical Center in Richmond, VA, is advertising for an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity open-ended contract for architect/engineering services. This requirement is set aside for emerging small businesses within 100 miles of Richmond. The NAICS codes are 541310 and 541330. Maximum contract amount is $475,000 over five years. To be considered for selection, interested eligible firms must submit SF 254 and 255 by April 11 to VA Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Blvd., Attn: Robert Yarnell (04E), Richmond, VA 23249. The solicitation number is 246-03-00074. Contact Janet Davis at 804-675-5474.

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The Naval Facilities Engineering Command is conducting a market study for an A-76 competition to provide environmental services at Naval Air Stations in Jacksonville and Mayport, FL, Cecil Field Commerce Center, FL, and Naval Air Station Guantanamo, Cuba.

The RFP, N62467-03-R-0098, will be issued within six months. To submit a response, go to www.esol.navfac.navy.mil,

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The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Virginia is seeking sources for an A-76 competition to perform Finance/Accounting Services. The requirement is being considered as a possible small business set-aside. The solicitation, N00178-03-R-2023, will be available May 5. Statements of qualifications should be sent to xds12@nswc.navy.mil by March 31.