87--BAREROOT LONGLEAF PINE SEEDLINGS. The USDA Forest Service, National Forests in Florida, has a requirement for approximately 443,000 bareroot longleaf pine seedlings delivered to the Lake George Ranger District, Marion County, FL. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format at FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the Request for Quotations (RFQ). Quotes are being requested by this Notice and a written solicitation will not be issued. Quotations issued as RFQ FL-03-6 are due by 4:00 p.m., local time, 11/07/2002. Quotations received after this date will not be considered. The RFQ incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2002-09. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 111421 and the small business size standard is $0.75 million. Required specifications include: Bareroot longleaf pine seedlings shall be from certified North Florida, West Florida, SE Georgia or Alabama seed source. The diameter of the seedlings at the "root collar" shall be 0.4-0.5" in diameter. Seedlings must have been root-pruned in the bed prior to lifting so that root mass is not over 14" long. The seedlings must be lifted, packed for delivery and placed in the seedling cooler no more than 4 days prior to delivery. If the Forest Service elects to pick up the seedlings the contractor will be given a minimum of 48 hours advance notice. If the Forest Service does pick up the seedlings, seedlings will not be lifted more than 24 hours before pickup. Seedlings will be dipped in "terra-sorb". If seedlings are shipped, immediately before shipping, seedlings shall be counted and packaged in cardborad boxes for shipment. Eash box shall contain at least 250, but not more than 500 seedlings per box. Seedlings shall be moist when packed and shall not be allowed to dry before delivery. Seedlings shall be packed to avoid crushing and injury during shipment. Required seedling availability date is December 15, 2002. (NOTE: Due to storage restrictions, seedling shall be delivered upon request on an as-needed basis between December 15, 2002 and February 15, 2003). This procurement will be based on best value to the Government. Quotes will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 1) Ability to meet delivery requirements; 2) Price. Evaluation criteria are listed in order of improtance. A best value analysis will be completed by review the Offeror's delivery guarantee and price. If two or more offerors guarantee delivery of seedlings by required delivery date, award will be based on price. Following are the applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation provisions and contract clauses incorporated by reference: 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items (OCT 2000); 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items (JAN 1999); 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (JULY 2002); 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (FEB 2002); 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items (MAY 2002). All FAR provisions and clauses may be viewed on the web at www.arnet.gov/far/. FAR Clause 52.212-5 paragraph (b) is tailored to incorporate clauses 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222-37, 52.225-3, 52.225-9, and 52.232-33. Written quotations on Offeror's business letterhead are to be submitted to Attn: Sue Brown, U.S. Forest Service, National Forests in FL, 325 John Knox Road, Suite F-100, Tallahassee, FL 32303. NOTE: FAR Provision 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications must be completed and returned with quote. If a copy is needed, contact the Purchasing Agent at 850-523-8539.

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