This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.  This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

This solicitation is being issued as a request for proposal (RFP).

The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-52.

COMPETITION IS UNRESTRICTED TO BUSINESS SIZE.

The applicable North American Classification System (NAICS) code is 541380 and the associated size standard is $12M.

The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial, applies to this acquisition. 

Offerors must include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items with this offer.

The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. 

Additional applicable clauses are attached in the RFP package contained herein. 

The Nutrient Data Laboratory (NDL) has a requirement for commercial laboratory services to provide accurate and representative analytical data for ingredients and other appropriate tests of dietary supplements.  NDL develops the USDA composition databases and state-of-the-art methods to acquire, evaluate, compile, and disseminate composition data on foods and dietary supplements.  NDL, however, has no laboratory facility of its own, and relies on other Government laboratories, cooperative agreements with university researchers, and contracts with commercial laboratories for the analysis of ingredients in dietary supplements.  The contractor is required to provide the services described in the Performance Work Statement included in the RFP packaged contained herein.

CENTRAL CONTRACTOR'S REGISTRATION (CCR):  Contractors must be registered in the Central Contractor's Registration System in order to be awarded the resultant contract.  Registration can be completed on-line at http://www.ccr.gov.

AWARD:  The Government intends to award a fixed-price Indefinite-Delivery contract for commercial items to the responsive and responsible contractor whose proposal represents the best value after evaluation.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION:  Offers shall be submitted NO LATER THAN 10:00 AM, EST, AUGUST 1, 2011.  Please include the Solicitation number AG-3K06-S-11-0011 on all submitted documents.

Submit proposals to Kelli Lightfoot via email to [email protected]; or, via fax ATTN: Kelli Lightfoot at (301) 504-1717; or via U.S. Postal Service or Express Service (eg. UPS, Federal Express) to USDA/ARS/AFM/APD/AB, ATTN: Kelli Lightfoot 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Room 3-2126A, Beltsville, MD 20705-5116.