M -- Operation of Government Owned Facilities

Two Express studies, with a performance period of five (5) years, for the Northeastern Research Station and Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry maintenance activities were conducted using the "USDA Guide for Conducting an Express Review Competitive Sourcing Study for Functions with 10 and Fewer Positions". The studies considered the maintenance of buildings (including janitorial), roads, grounds, and trails. There were a total of 6.9 FTEs in Milford, PA, Burlington, VT, Durham NH, Hamden and Ansonia, CT; and 6.3 FTEs in Delaware, OH, Irvine, PA, Morgantown, Parsons and Princeton, WV. The bid opening was August 22, 2003 and the outcome of the studies show the estimated government cost to be within or below the comparable private sector range, so the decision was made to retain performance in-house using the existing organization to continue to perform the work under current performance provisions.