This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is AG-04N7-S-12-0008 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ), under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), Part 13.5. The NAICS code is 113210. The small business size standard is $7.0 million average annual receipts. This acquisition is a small business set-aside. This solicitation is for a firm fixed price contract. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 05-54. The following clauses and provisions apply to this acquisition: 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items; 52.212-2 Evaluation Commercial Items; the evaluation criteria stated in paragraph (a) of this provision are as follows: (1) Technical Capability to meet requirements stated herein, and (2) Price. The contract award will be offered to the best value offer made to the Government, considering technical capability and price; 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items and 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders- Commercial Items. In paragraph (b) of 52.212-5, the following apply: 52.203 (Alt 1), 52.219-6, 52.222-3, 52.222-19, 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-54, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222-37, 52.225-1, 52.225-13 and 52.232-33. All clauses and provisions referenced in this announcement may be accessed at the following website: http://www.arnet.gov/far/

SCOPE OF CONTRACT: Production of Container Seedlings - It is the purpose of this solicitation to obtain the supply of an estimated 3.3 million (estimated 1.3 million starting 2/15/12 and estimated 2.0 million starting 7/01/12) container seedlings to be grown at a growing facility until Government transports and direct plants into the fields at the J. Herbert Stone Nursery of the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest. The primary species will be Douglas-Fir and Ponderosa Pine, but other conifer species may be included. The offeror's growing facility must be located within 200 miles of the J. Herbert Stone Nursery, Central Point, Oregon, to facilitate direct planting of the seedlings into the fields at the J. Herbert Stone Nursery site.

The Government will be responsible for: 1) stratifying the seed; 2) providing the Hortiblocks 200 (block size: approximately 13.5 in. wide x 26.5 in. long x 2.25 in. deep) filled with growing media; 3) delivery of Hortiblocks to contractor's growing facility estimated by February 15, 2012 (estimated 1.3 million) and July 15, 2012(estimated 2.0 million); 4) providing mycorrhizal inoculum and 5) return transportation/shipping of container seedlings in Hortiblocks no later than
September 30, 2012.

The Government will make periodic inspections of the stock at the contractor's facility. Deficiencies noted at such inspections shall be promptly corrected. Final inspection and acceptance will be made at time of delivery.

Payment: a progress payment of 25 percent will be made after any needed thinning of seedlings. Final payment will be made at the unit contract price for all container seedlings accepted and shipped (transported by the Government) to the J. Herbert Stone Nursery, Central Point, Oregon.

The contractor will be responsible to provide a permanent greenhouse at a growing facility located within 200 miles of the J. Herbert Stone Nursery, Central Point, Oregon. The contractor will be responsible sowing the seed into the Hortiblocks 200, germinating the seed and growing the seedlings including fertilization, heating, irrigation, lighting, mychorrhizal inoculation, pest control, weeding and as an option item, if requested by the Government, thinning to a single seedling per cell. The growing objective is to germinate the seed and achieve moderate, balanced growth.

Preparation for shipping: Irrigate within 4 hours of shipping to saturate the media.

Records: The Contractor shall maintain and upon request, provide the Government a record by date listing the cultural work undertaken for the contract. Records shall include dates of fertilization, insecticide/fungicide treatment, temperatures, watering, and any other cultural work performed on all or any portion of the seedlings receiving different treatment.

Period of Contract - Estimated: Date of award - September 30, 2012.

All responsible sources may submit an offer, including unit pricing information per M/seedling and unit pricing per M/seedling for the option item of thinning to a single seedling per cell, to the USDA, Forest Service, Rogue River -Siskiyou National Forest, Attn: Contracting, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, Oregon 97504-4119 by close of business, 4:30 p.m., January 9, 2012. Send questions by FAX to 541-618-2148.

NOTE: CCR Registration - a prospective awardee shall be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database prior to award. See contract clause 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration (Apr 2008). Information on registration may be obtained via the Internet at: http://www.ccr.gov or by calling 1-888-227-2423 or
269-961-5757. All vendors must complete the electronic version of the Online Representations and Certifications (ORCA) at: http://www.bpn.gov and clicking on the Online Reps and Certs Application.

Bid Protests Not Available