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.

The solicitation number is AG-569R-S-14-0030. This solicitation is issued as a request for quotations (RFQ) for a Firm Fixed Price contract or multiple contracts. Simplified procurement procedures will be used for this acquisition per Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.

Incorporated provisions, clauses, and addenda are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-73, including but not limited to commercial provisions 52.212-1, 52.212-2, 52.212-3 and commercial clauses 52.212-4, and 52.212-5. Provisions and clauses incorporated by references have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. The full text of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulations (AGAR) can be accessed at http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and http://www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar/html

This solicitation is a total small-business set-aside. The associated NAICS code is 115310 and the small business size standard is $7M.

Description of requirements:
Firm-fixed, non-personal services to provide all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision and other items necessary for release of natural and planted trees from competing vegetation and to allow increased sunlight to reach the seedlings and less competition for the seed trees; thus allowing them to grow faster and afford them better survival and health in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, standards, instructions, commercial practices and as described in Performance Work Statements (PWS) and Specification documents. (See attached solicitation document AG-569R-S-14-0030 for additional technical specifications and requirements)

The start date will be on/or about June 30, 2014 and must be completed by July 31, 2015. Place of performance is on the Ottawa National Forest in Ontonagon, Houghton, Gogebic and Iron Counties of Michigan.

The Contract implementation period is the time period for completion of all bid items.

Item 1: Cleaning Northern Hardwood Canopy Gaps (White Pine/Hemlock Emphasis): 4.4Acres
Item 2: Cleaning Northern Hardwood Canopy Gaps (Hardwood Emphasis): 38 Acres
Item 3: Long Lived Conifer Release: 451 Acres
Item 4: Cleaning Northern Hardwood Canopy Gaps (Hardwood Emphasis): 103 Acres

Contractors may bid on any or all items.

Bidders are urged to inspect the Bid Item and work areas prior to submission of a proposal. Arrangements for inspection can be made by contacting any of the five District Offices.

Evaluation of quotes will be based on the Best Value to the government as determined by price and technical data in accordance with Section B - Schedule of Items and the Evaluation Factors in Section M of the attached solicitation document.

Additional contract requirements or terms and conditions:
All responsible sources may submit a response which, if timely received, must be considered by the agency. Vendors must be registered in Systems for Award Management (SAM) prior to receiving a government contract.

Labor Wage Determination applicable to this requirement is: WD 1981-0136 (Rev.-37) dated 11/04/2013. If a DOB WD changes prior to award, the newest wage determination will be utilized.

All offers must contain the following completed information:
Section B - Schedule of Items and contractor information.
Section K - Commercial Items Representations and Certifications, OR, copy of SAM Reps & Certs, AND provision 452-209-70.
Section M - Evaluation information (past performance, experience, references - (may be provided on the attached contractor experience form or similar format).

All invoices must be submitted via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform. This is a mandatory requirement initiated by the U.S. Department of Treasury. For more information and/or to establish an account, please visit https://www.ipplgov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm.

ALL QUESTIONS MUST BE IN WRITING. Please submit all questions to Annette Caliguri at [email protected]. Questions and answers will be posted to FBO so please check back often as it is the contractor's responsibility to remain up to date on all available Q&A's as well as any potential resulting modifications. All questions must be received NLT three days prior to solicitation close date, or the government is under no obligation to review and/or address the questions.