This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for a commercial item 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; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number RFQ-023-4384-03 is issued as a request for quotations and incorporates provisions and clauses that is in effect through FAC 01-14. This procurement is set aside for small business. The NAICS code applicable to this acquisition is 441229. For a company to qualify as a small business, the small business size standard is 500 employees. USDA, ARS has a requirement for one reconditioned, two-row, high drum, self-propelled cotton picker. Requirements of this equipment are: 1 Drive wheel tires suitable for operation on wet and/or sandy soils; 2. Operator’s cab with pressurizer, heater and air conditioner; 3, Less than 3500 hours use; 4. Wide steering axle, with two rear steering tires to allow operation on wet and/or sandy soils; 5. Tether-like greasing system; 6. Air system monitor; 7. Basket compactor; 8. Rebuilt picker units with original manufacturer parts; 9. New flexible picker air hoses from picker units; 10. Hydrostatic transmission; 11. Picker shall have picker units that can harvest cotton in 38” wide rows; 12. Offeror’s certification that picker is in field ready condition. Delivery will be to USDA ARS SAA, Florence, SC within 60 days of award. Quoted price should include delivery costs. The government anticipates award of a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to requirements stated above will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers and are approximately equal in order of importance. 1. Price. 2. Hours of use. All offers must include with their quotation a completed copy of FAR 52.212-3 available at www.arnet.gov/far. 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. Vendors may meet this requirement by acceptance of government purchase card (VISA) or providing a Vendor Express Number. Please state if your company will accept a VISA on your quotation. If not, and your company has not previously enrolled in the Vendor Express Program with USDA, they should call the National Finance Center at 1-800-421-0323 for an enrollment package. The following FAR clauses apply: Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, 52.204-6; Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items, 52.212-1; Evaluation of Commercial Items awarded to a responsive/responsible offeror at a fair and reasonable price, 52.212-2; Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, 52-212-3; Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, 52.212-4. The following FAR clauses cited in 52.212-5 are applicable to this acquisition: 52.203-6, 52-211-5, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222-37, 52.225-3, 52.225-13, 52.225-9, 52.225-18, 52.225-21, 52.247-64. All sources wishing to provide a quotation must respond by 1:00 PM EDT, July 3, 2003. Quotations should be addressed to USDA Agricultural Research Service, 950 College Station Rd, Athens, GA 30605-2720 (or POB 5677, Athens, GA 30604-5677). POC Elaine Wood, Contract Specialist, 706/546-3534 or fax 706/546-3444. Faxed responses are acceptable.

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