87 -- Pollination Cages

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 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. Solicitation No. RFQ39-06 is being issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). This procurement shall be solicited under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and is a Small-Business Set-Aside. The NAICS code applicable to this acquisition is 314912. For a company to qualify as a small business, the small business standard is 500 employees. The USDA-ARS-MWA Plant Introduction Station, Ames, IA has a requirement/need for 120 pollination cages. THE SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS: the pollination cages must meet or exceed these minimum requirements: (1) Size must be 7 ft x 7 ft x 20 ft. (2) The screen must be a "fitted" style with flap and with a 60 inch brass zipper on each end. (3) Zippers must be installed so that when the zipper is closed the zipper pull is at the bottom. (4) Zipper must start 4 inches below the top of the screen. (5) Screen dimensions must match the drawing provided with minimal adjustment by the vendor to allow for normal shrinkage. (6) Screen material and flaps shall be 14 x 18 mesh amber color. (7) All corners must be reinforced with vinyl. (8) Frames must be constructed of 1 3/8 inch OD galvanized steel round pipe with .065 inch wall thickness. (9) Fittings must be 1 1/2 inch OD galvanized steel with .065 inch wall thickness. (10) Frame dimension must match those on the attached drawing. This solicitation incorporates the following FAR clauses, provisions and addendums: 52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration; 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Item; 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items; 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items; 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: 52.203-6 and 52.225-13. The above FAR clauses may be viewed in full text at www.acquisition.gov. All offerors must include copies of 52.212-3 (Representations and Certifications). Faxed quotations are acceptable to Denise Hill at fax number +1 (555) 000-0000 on or before July 27, 2006. All responses will be evaluated in order to determine the ability to meet the above stated capabilities. The Government shall award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsive/responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government per FAR 13.106-2. Responses shall include technical specifications, descriptive material, literature, brochures and other such information corresponding to each minimum required item, which demonstrates the capabilities of the offerors equipment. Offerors shall identify where the offered item meets or does not meet each of the Governments functional and performance minimum specifications listed herein. Offeror shall include references of three (3) firms for which similar equipment was provided. The anticipated award date is July 31, 2006. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which shall be considered by the Agency.