This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial goods and commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in FAR subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is 12405B24Q0282 and is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). This solicitation document incorporates those provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2024-05. This will be a small business set-aside. The NAICS code is 541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services with a small business size standard of $19.5 million.
The USDA, ARS in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico has a new requirement for Evaluating plant phenotypic traits, consultation and agricultural services as described in the attached statement of work.
- An expert is needed in tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) hybridization, field agronomic practices, data collection using standard disease, insect and agronomic rating scales, and data entry, analysis and interpretation.
- This work will involve planting, maintaining, and harvesting the crop, processing seed, organizing, conditioning and storing the seed in an organized system.
- The work will involve evaluating yield components and related seed quality traits for common bean and tepary bean panels of between 150 and 350 accessions planted in two or three replications in the field and greenhouse. These trials will be planted in fields provided by USDA-ARS in Juana Diaz and Isabela, Puerto Rico, and in greenhouses in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. All of the materials and equipment for this work will be provided by USDA-ARS. The duration of this project will be one year.
Please ensure all email correspondence includes the solicitation number in the subject line. Emails without the RFQ number in the subject line may not be seen, read, and /or reviewed and therefore disqualified from consideration.
The government anticipates award of a firm fixed priced contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforms to the specifications that will be the most advantageous to the government in accordance with FAR 13.106-2.
Responses shall include a quote on company letterhead, to include vendor’s SAM.gov UEI number, technical specifications, descriptive material, capabilities of the offeror’s personnel, total price, and valid for at least 60 days after receipt of quote. Offerors shall identity where the offered item meets or does not meet each of the Government's functional and performance minimum specifications listed herein.
REJECTION OF QUOTATION: Failure to demonstrate compliance will be cause to reject the quote without further discussions. All responsible sources may submit an offer and will be considered.
The following clauses and provisions apply to this acquisition. 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.; 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.; 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.; 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.
FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, the significant evaluation factors, in the relative order of importance, are (i) technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement including delivery date; (ii) price; and (iii) past performance, based on F.O.B. Destination. Award will be made based on overall BEST VALUE to the Government.
AGAR Clauses
452.204-70 Modification for Contract Closeout
As prescribed in USDA’s Contracting Desk Book 404.804 and 413.302-5, and 416.102, insert the following clause:
MODIFICATION FOR CONTRACT CLOSEOUT (DEVIATION JUNE 2024)
“Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing anything other than cost reimbursement:
(a) If unliquidated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (CO) shall issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but will not be required to provide a signature. The CO shall immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.
(b) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing SAP: if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the CO shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and will be required to provide a signature. (The CO may also request a “Contractor Release of Claims” be completed by the contractor, although not required for contracts and orders using SAP.) If the bilateral modification and/or Release of Claims are not returned to the CO within 60 days, the CO shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.
(c) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing anything other than cost reimbursement, if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the CO shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and a ‘‘Contractor Release of Claims’’ and will be required to provide a signature on both forms. If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the CO within 120 days, the CO shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of
(End of clause)
PAYMENT: Any award made under this solicitation is subject to 31 CFR Part 208 which requires all payments made by the government to be made by electronic funds transfer.
Contractors intending to conduct business with the Federal Government MUST register with the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to submitting quotation. You may register online at www.sam.gov. Any amendment and documents related to this procurement will be available electronically at the Internet site: http://www.SAM.gov.
QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RFQ ARE DUE TO RICHARD HAWTHORNE at Richard.hawthorne@usda.gov, NO LATER THAN 1:00 p. m. ET, July 8, 2024. Questions will only be accepted via email and WILL NOT be answered if received after this date/time.
QUOTES REGARDING THIS RFQ ARE DUE TO RICHARD HAWTHORNE at Richard.hawthorne@usda.gov , NO LATER THAN 5:00 p. m. ET, July 9, 2024.
Place of Performance:
USDA-ARS
SEA TROPICAL CROPS AND GERMPLASM RE
22000 PEDRO ALBIZU CAMPOS AVENUE
SUITE 201
MAYAGUEZ PR 00680
Primary Point of Contact:
Richard Hawthorne
Purchasing Agent
richard.hawthorne@usda.gov.
