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 12505B23Q0283 is issued as a request for quote (RFQ).  The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-04.  This solicitation will be a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside.  The associated NAICS code is 111150 (Corn Farming), with a small business size standard of $2.50 million.

This acquisition is for the following item as identified in the Line Item Number(s):

0001)  Self-Pollinated Corn, 15-Foot-Long Rows Planted with 25 Kernels Per Row – QTY 250

0002)  Paired Corn for Cross-Pollination, 15-Foot-Long Rows Planted with 25 Kernels Per Row – QTY 200

0003)  Sib-Pollinated Corn, 15-Foot-Long Rows Planted with 25 Kernels Per Row – QTY 175

0004)  Self-Pollinated Corn, 10-Foot-Long Rows Planted with 15 Kernels Per Row – QTY 200

Specifications:  See attached Statement of Work.

The Contractor shall provide all items F.O.B. destination.  Location of the Government site is aboard USDA ARS, Ames, Iowa 50011 and will be identified in the contract.  The Government anticipates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract.

Quoters responding to this announcement shall submit their quote in accordance with FAR 52.212-1.  Submission of quote shall include the following:  (1) Technical (how the work will be performed and proof of performance of similar requirements), (2) Price (to include shipping), and a completed copy of FAR Provision 52.212-3.

All responses shall be submitted electronically to [email protected].

The basis for award is lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA).  "LPTA" means the best value is expected to result from selection of the technically acceptable quote with the lowest evaluated price.  Pursuant to FAR 52.212-2, the criteria for evaluation are:  (1) Technical Specifications and (2) Price (to include shipping) and must also have satisfactory Past Performance.  The lowest priced quote will first be evaluated for technical acceptability in accordance with the minimum specifications identified.  If determined not technically acceptable, it will be removed from competition and the next lowest priced quote will be evaluated for technical acceptability.  This will continue until the lowest price quote is determined technically acceptable.  Once the lowest priced quote is determined technically acceptable, then a determination of responsibility will be completed.  If found responsible, evaluations will be closed and award will be made.

INSPECTON AND ACCEPTANCE TERMS:  Services will be inspected by the technical representative and accepted at destination.  Period of performance is September 15, 2023 through April 30, 2024.

See attached Clauses and Provisions document for the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) provisions and clauses that apply to this acquisition. 

To be eligible for an award, all contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).  A contractor can contact SAM by calling 1-866-606-8220 or e-mail at www.sam.gov.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  All invoices shall be submitted electronically.

Quotes must be received no later than 2:00 PM Central Daylight Time (CDT) on August 25, 2023. 

Questions in regards to this combined synopsis/solicitation are due no later than 4:00 PM CDT on August 14, 2023.  Answers to any questions received by that time will be posted as an amendment to this combined synopsis/solicitation.