Greenhouse Construction- USDA, ARS, Schriever (Houma), LA

Sources Sought Notification HOUMAGH25FY for construction of a new greenhouse located at USDA, ARS, 501 Bull Run Road, Schriever (Houma), LA 70395.

Tentative Key Dates:

Award construction Contract Spring 2025
Construction Complete 12 months after award

This is a Sources Sought Announcement issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for informational and planning purposes only. This is NOT a solicitation, nor is it an announcement for a forthcoming solicitation. Submission of any information in response to this notification is purely voluntary. The Government assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred in providing a response.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting information regarding the capability to provide for construction, and commissioning, of a new greenhouse located at 501 Bull Run Road, Schriever (Houma), LA 70395.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:

The project scope includes the construction, and commissioning, of a new greenhouse and link, supported from the existing Head House, including new plumbing, mechanical, and electrical services. There are two Bid Options to expand the new greenhouse, and one Bid Option to construct a separate, smaller greenhouse. A final option is to extend an existing road. Greenhouses will consist of 17,000 gross sq. ft. and are connected to the existing Headhouse through an enclosed link. Building services are to be extended from the existing Headhouse. The project is located on an active research campus, with on-going research and farm operations. Scope will include:
Earthwork is required to grade the site and extend an existing road.
Paving of the extended road.
New sliding entrance gate with controls at Bull Run Road.
Greenhouse buildings. One larger greenhouse (approx. 200 x 76') separated into compartments with glass walls, to support different research programs. One smaller greenhouse (approx. 27'6 x 31'-6). dedicated to entomology. The design uses commercially available greenhouse structures, systems and components. Construction is Venlo style [high roof and steeply pitched glass walls], 10'-6 wide spans and 10'0 bays, 15'-6 high to the underside of the gutters. Exterior and interior walls are tempered glass.
The Connecting Link is the same height.
The greenhouses and connecting corridor will be supported on a 2'-0 thick reinforced concrete mat, which is supported on wood piles.
Insect screens, horizontal and vertical shade curtains, grow lights, and plant irrigation are included.
Greenhouse computer control system is included, connected to the existing Headhouse. An access control system is included, also tied to the existing Headhouse.
HVAC will include central ventilation with evaporative coolers, exhaust fans, and hydronic heating.
Domestic hot and cold water, natural gas, sanitary systems for greenhouse waste, roof drain system, emergency safety showers/eye washes will be included.

This is not a request for proposals, but instead market research to determine capable vendors prior to issuing a solicitation. A determination by the Government on the method of competing this requirement has not been established. The Government will not award a contract based on this Sources Sought Notice or the information received, nor will it reimburse participants for the information they provide. If you are an interested vendor, please provide the following information: 1) Business name and point of contact; 2) UEI number and CAGE code; 3) business size; and 4) a brief statement of Capability (no more than three pages) which demonstrates the ability to meet the specialized work requirements above. Include any past performance information on contracts of similar size and scope. Electronic responses are preferred. Information provided will not be used as a part of any subsequent solicitation requirement. Interested sources who submit data are responsible for appropriately marking information if it is proprietary in nature. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract action based on this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses are due no later than 12 p.m., Central Time, on Thursday, August 15, 2024, to the attention of Shalunda Mix, Contracting Office, via e-mail to shalunda.mix@usda.gov. Please reference Sources Sought Notification HOUMAGH25FY in the email subject line.