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; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation number 12505B21Q0166 is issued as a request for quote (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2021-07. The associated NAICS code is 333111, Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,250 employees and the PSC code is 3720.

The Department of Agriculture (ARS) has the need for the following products and services:

001) Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) Shelling Line Seed Treater

Scope of Work:

The USDA-ARS North Central Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS) in Ames, IA is requesting quotes for a germplasm enhancement of maize (GEM) shelling line seed treater.

Background:

A medium batch seed treater is needed for the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) Project shelling and seed processing line. The current shelling line seed treater has exceeded design life, is no longer supported by the manufacturer, and cannot be repaired further. The current unit needs to be replaced with a unit compatible with the existing shelling line.

Technical Requirements:

The selected seed treater must meet the following requirements.

• Capable of integration into existing breeding research shelling line designed and constructed by Almaco which requires treatment sample to enter treatment chamber from the top of the unit.
• Treatment sample size capability of 1 to 5 pounds.
• Electrical:  110v – 60 Hz
• Viewing port for treatment chamber to insure cleanout between samples.
• Compressed air operation for treatment application and treatment chamber
• discharge.
• Treatment fully automated with integrated treatment pump.
• Timed drying and treatment pump operation.

The GEM Project shelling line is located at the North Central Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS) at 1305 State Avenue in Ames, Iowa. Contractor access to current equipment for bid development and unit compatibility determination during normal working hours can be scheduled as needed. Photographs and measurements of shelling line can also be provided on request.

Evaluation Factors:

The government intends to award a firm-fixed price award based on the lowest price technically acceptable product. The lowest priced product will be evaluated first; if not found acceptable, the next lowest priced product will be evaluated, and so on until an acceptable product is identified. The government will not review higher priced products if the lowest priced product is determined to be technically acceptable. For a vendor’s products to be considered technically acceptable, they must meet all of the technical requirements identified in the solicitation.

Key Deliverables:

• Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) Single Ear Corn Treater
• Delivery
• Installation

Delivery:

Delivery and installation to be made to USDA-ARS Plant Introduction located at 1305 State Avenue, Ames, IA 50014 within 45 days of date of award.

The vendor shall provide all items F.O.B: destination. Location of the Government site is aboard USDA-ARS Ames, IA and will be identified in the contract. The Government anticipates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract.

Submitting a Quote:

To be eligible for an award, all contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with a current and active registration. A contractor can contact SAM by calling 1-866-606-8220 or e-mail at www.sam.gov. NO EXCEPTIONS. A DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet) number is required in order to register. Vendor must also include their DUNS# on their quote.

Also, to be eligible, all vendors must be NDAA 889 Certified. If they do not currently have a NDAA 889 Certification, then they must complete the attached NDAA 889 Certification form and submit it to [email protected] so that they can be added to the list of NDAA 889 Certified vendors.

The submission and payment of invoices on the resulting contract will be made through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). As such, vendors must be currently registered or register in IPP in order to be able to submit and receive payment on invoices for the resulting contract.  

Offerors responding to this announcement shall submit their quote on SF 1449 (see attached). The quote should include all fees, delivery charges, and/or surcharges. This will be a tax-exempt purchase.

Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Please email all quotes in writing on the SF 1449 to [email protected] by no later than Friday, September 24, 2021 at 5:00 PM Central Standard Time.

Questions in regards to this combined synopsis/solicitation must be submitted through email and are due no later than 12:00 PM CST on Monday, September 20, 2021. Answers to any questions received by that time will be posted as an amendment to this combined synopsis/solicitation.