87 -- Sources Sought - Organic Fertilizer

This is NOT a SOLICITATION and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. This is a sources sought notice FOR PLANNING PURPOSES only. NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED from this synopsis. NO REIMBURSEMENT will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this synopsis or any follow-up information requests. The purpose of this synopsis is to gain knowledge of potential suppliers of organic fertilizer, which can be used on future highway construction contracts. We are seeking manufacturers of sterilized, weed-free, slow release fertilizer, which works well in environmentally sensitive areas. This organic fertilizer must allow for the successful establishment of vegetation with low concentrations of nitrate in the surrounding groundwater. The low nitrate level will allow for the use of this product in wetlands or other environmentally sensitive areas. This fertilizer shall have a nutrient release curve that closely resembles the release curve for a local soil's organic matter. This means the fertilizer will provide nutrients at a rate to which native plants are adapted and is less likely to favor the weeds that thrive under high rates of nutrient release. This fertilizer shall be sterilized, weed-free, slow release and composed of 93% fungal biomass, 4% water, and 3% potassium-magnesia. The following applies: a) Nutrient ratio of the fertilizer - Nitrogen 6%, Phosphorus 1%, and Potassium 3%; b) Organic Substance - greater than 70%; c) Carbon/Nitrogen ratio - 6:1; d) Nitrogen (total) - greater than 6%; e) Nitrogen (water soluble) - less than 0.5%; f) Phosphorus (P2O5) - 1 to 2%; g) Potash (K2O) - 3 to 4%; and h) pH level - 5-6. INFORMATION NEEDED: Interested parties that believe they can meet the above requirements shall provide: (1) Company information including company name, point of contact, company address, telephone number (voice and fax), & e-mail; (2) Product specifications; and (3) Manufacturing processes used, current production capabilities, and the organization's distribution points. Any proprietary information MUST be clearly marked as such. Responses may be submitted by email, fax or mail. E-mail responses are PREFERRED. Email: contact@example.gov. FAX: +1 (555) 000-0000 Mail: Attn Contracts, Federal Highway Administration, 610 East 5th Street, Vancouver WA 98661. All QUESTIONS must be submitted by email or fax. The DUE DATE and time for responses to this synopsis is 4:00 pm PDT on May 20, 2005. The submitted information will be used to determine if our upcoming construction projects should include name brand or equal organic fertilizer specifications.