SAM #1240BE26Q0095

USDA Forest Service Seeks Short-Term Lease of Office and Operational Space at UT Research Park

The U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS) Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program is seeking to lease office and operational space at the University of Tennessee (UT) Research Park in Knoxville, TN. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service - Southern Research Station (SRS) Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program - Facility Requirements: - 11,200 square feet of full-service office and operational space - Must accommodate approximately 64 personnel from multiple agencies (USFS, USGS, Tennessee Division of Forestry, UT affiliates) - 56 workstations and 8 private offices - Multiple Microsoft Teams-enabled conference rooms - Four collaboration rooms and three phone booths (including a private lactation room) - Dedicated fleet vehicle parking and seasonal boat storage - Shower facilities for field crews - Secure IT/network distribution systems - Location Requirements: - Within 0.5 miles of the UT campus bus line - Within 1 mile of the UT Institute of Agriculture - Notable Requirements: - Short-term, three-year lease while a long-term solution is developed - Restricted competition justified by need for continuity, cost avoidance, and minimizing relocation - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or product vendors are named - University of Tennessee Research Foundation is the named facility provider - No specific products, part numbers, or equipment are requested in this solicitation

Description

The U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS) Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program has a requirement for 11,200 square feet of rentable office and operational space located at the University of Tennessee (UT) Research Park at Cherokee Farm. The facility supports approximately 64 personnel, including staff from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Tennessee Division of Forestry, and University of Tennessee affiliates. The full-service rental space requires the following features designed to promote operational efficiency, interagency collaboration, and mission readiness:

Workspaces and Meeting Areas: 56 workstations and 8 private offices; multiple Microsoft Teams-enabled conference rooms; four collaboration rooms; and three phone booths, including a private lactation room.

Vehicle and Equipment Storage: Dedicated fleet vehicle parking and seasonal boat storage to support aquatic and field operations.

Field Support Amenities: Shower facilities for field crews.

Technology Infrastructure: Secure IT and network distribution systems.

Proximity Requirements: Located within 0.5 miles of the UT campus bus line and within 1 mile of the UT Institute of Agriculture, facilitating sustainability efforts, student collaboration, and integration of field and academic activities.

It is the Government’s intent to restriction competition. The maximum three-year rental contract is a short-term solution to address the Southern Research Station (SRS) Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program office immediate requirements while a long-term lease is established. This decision is supported by the following rationale:

Continuity of Services: The facility ensures seamless continuity of operations and collaboration among key partners, including the University of Tennessee, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Tennessee Division of Forestry, and University of Tennessee affiliates. Restricting competition maintains established interagency relationships and mission-critical integration without disruption. Duplication of Costs: Utilizing the existing space at UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm avoids redundant expenses related to office build-out and tenant improvements that would be required at an alternative location. Relocation Expenses: Proceeding with this location minimizes costs associated with moving personnel, equipment, and operations, including fleet vehicles and storage needs.

The proposed contractor and current incumbent is:

University of Tennessee Research Foundation 505 Summer Place UT TWR 961A Knoxville, TN 37902 UEI: Q4CQW52P9LH8

All responsible sources may submit a quotation or capability statement, which shall be considered by the agency to determine whether to conduct a full and open competition or proceed with restricted competition.

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