Doing Business with REE
Contracting with the Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area
of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
The Administrative and Financial Management Staff of the Agricultural
Research Service (ARS) has prepared this web page to assist you, the
prospective contractor, in marketing your business to us. This web page
also provides some background on our mission area: who we are, where
we are, and what we buy. We welcome your personal or written inquiries.
Learn About REE:
Who We Are, What We're Here For
The Research, Education, and
Economic (REE) Mission Area is a cluster of four agencies within
the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) sharing one mission: REE is dedicated to the creation of
a sustainable, competitive U.S. food and fiber system and strong, healthy
communities, families, and youth through integrated research, analysis,
and education.
REE consists of:
Find Out What We Procure
In the conduct of their programs, REE agencies procure
a wide variety of supplies, equipment and services through the use of
simplified acquisition procedures under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold
and through sealed bidding and negotiated procurements. Some examples
include:
- ADP equipment and services
- Architect-engineer (A-E) services
- Books and periodicals
- Chemicals
- Construction: buildings and laboratories
- Facilities management services
- Guard services
- Hay, feed, seed, and grain
- Hazardous waste removal
- Janitorial services
- Laboratory/scientific equipment and supplies
- Management and professional services
- Office machines and supplies
- Refuse collection
- Repair and maintenance services
- Telecommunications
- Tractors and other farm vehicles/equipment
Supply a Capability Statement
Firms or individuals wishing to do business with REE should provide
a capability statement identifying their areas of expertise. Standard
Form 129, Solicitation Mailing List Application, is available for this
purpose.
Completed copies of the SF-129 should be sent to the contracting office(s)
servicing the geographical area in which you wish to do business.
Architectural-engineering firms that wish to do business with ARS should
file a Standard Form 254, Architect Engineer and Related Questionnaire.
Completed copies of the SF-254 and any inquires relating to A-E should
be directed to ARS Facilities
Division.
In submitting the appropriate form, your firm should provide enough
supplemental information to ensure that the agency can fully comprehend
your firm's products and capabilities.
Perhaps Your Firm Can Subcontract
Recognizing that small firms often do not have the capability to perform
as prime contractors on certain large contracts, ARS promotes involvement
of small businesses at the subcontracting level. Special contract clauses
that require the prime contractor to maximize small business and minority
business subcontracting opportunities are included in large ARS prime
contracts. Many prime contractors are encouraged to advertise
subcontracting opportunities in the Commerce Business Daily. Small and
disadvantaged business firms are, therefore, encouraged to identify
their capabilities to major prime contractors. For further information,
visit the REE Subcontracting
Directory.
ARS Contracting Offices
A Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization Coordinator
is located at Headquarters and each Area Office.
Discrimination Disclaimer
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination
in its programs on
the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability,
political beliefs, and marital
or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
Persons with disabilities who
require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
large print,
audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA Office of Communications at
(202) 720-2791.
To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department
of Agriculture,
Washington, D.C., 20250 or call (202) 720-7327 (voice) or (202) 720-1127
(TDD). USDA is an
equal employment opportunity employer.
Check Out Other Resources
For additional information on how to contract with the U.S. Government
or USDA, please the
contact the following offices, or visit the following websites:
Last Updated 04/01/2002
Technical questions: contact ppdpolicy@ars.usda.gov
