Alfalfa Protein Chemical Fractionation

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 12505B21Q0059 is issued as a request for quote (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2021-05. This solicitation will be a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside. The associated NAICS code is 541380, Testing Laboratories, with a small business size standard of $16.5 million and the PSC code is B504. The Department of Agriculture (ARS) has the need for the following services: 001) Alfalfa Protein Chemical Fractionation Scope of Work: The UDSA-ARS Cell Wall Biology & Utilization Research Unit in Madison, WI is requesting quotes for the protein chemical fractionation of 664 alfalfa variety samples run in duplicate (or 1328 samples). Background: In this project, we will relate genetic characteristics among diverse alfalfa germplasms to protein fractions and ruminal degradability with applications in alfalfa genetic selection and dairy cattle nutrition. Agricultural systems, dairy farming, and cropping systems need to become more sustainable. Alfalfa production and incorporation into dairy cattle diets are uniquely situated to address this sustainability gap. Alfalfa is a perennial crop that promotes soil conservation by reducing tillage and it aggressively suppresses weeds. Alfalfa is known as a high protein forage that can be fed at moderate levels in dairy cattle diets, but the rapid degradability of alfalfa protein often limits its nutritional quality and feeding level. The objective of this study is to relate the degradability characteristics of alfalfa protein to genetic characteristics for enhancing selection decisions. To accomplish this objective, we will use a combination of biological assays (to be conducted by researchers at the Dairy Forage Research Center) and chemical fractionation to evaluate ruminal protein degradation. Conducting the protein chemical fractionation is the subject of this work. Technical Requirements: Alfalfa varieties direct cut from field plots from different growing seasons require chemical analysis (664 samples run in duplicate): 2018-2019, 444 samples; 2020, 220 samples. Samples (444) from 2018-2019 are dried and ground (1mm) and are immediately available for analysis. Samples from the 2020 harvest will be dried and ground prior to submission for analysis. Alfalfa will be analyzed in duplicate for chemical fractions associated with protein degradability and required for utilization in the CNCPS (Higgs et al., 2015) by - wet chemistry methods approved by AOAC International (2005), where available. Specifically, samples will be analyzed for dry matter (method 934.01), ash (method 942.05), N (method 968.06 using Leco N Analyzer, Leco Corporation, St. Joseph, MI), amylase treated neutral detergent fiber (aNDF; method 2002.04), NDICP (residual N of aNDF), ADIN (residual N after acid detergent fiber method 973.18 AOAC), protein soluble in a borate-phosphate buffer (Licitra et al., 1996), and ammonia (Muck, 1987) using flow-injection determination by phenol-hypochlorite assay (Broderick and Kang, 1980) or comparable approved procedures. In order for the results of the study associated with these analyses to be most relevant to and utilizable by stakeholders, the laboratory carrying them out must be a reference lab for the NIRS Consortium. Contractor's Key Personnel: The laboratory carrying out these analyses must be a reference lab for the NIRS Consortium. Data Rights: Results of the chemical analysis will be provided electronically to the government scientist (Geoffrey Zanton) in a CSV file. Government Furnished: Uniquely identified and individually packaged alfalfa samples will be provided to the cooperator upon award of the bid. Upon completion of the chemical analysis, unused alfalfa samples must be returned to Geoffrey Zanton at U. S. Dairy Forage Research Center, 1925 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706. Key Deliverables: (1) 2018-2019 Season Samples: Crude Protein Sample; Qty: 888 Ash Sample; Qty: 888 NDF & NDICP Sample; Qty: 888 ADICP Sample; Qty: 888 Soluble CP Sample; Qty: 888 Ammonia Sample; Qty: 888 Results due December 1, 2021. (2) 2020 Season Samples: Crude Protein Sample; Qty: 440 Ash Sample; Qty: 440 NDF & NDICP Sample; Qty: 440 ADICP Sample; Qty: 440 Soluble CP Sample; Qty: 440 Ammonia Sample; Qty: 440 Results due April 1, 2022. Delivery Schedule: The cooperator is required to provide monthly progress reports which must include data files for completed analyses (in CSV format) due the 1st of each month. The 444 samples run in duplicate (or 888 samples) from 2018-2019 must be analyzed and have data reported to the ARS scientist by December 1, 2021. The 220 samples run in duplicate (or 440 samples) samples from 2020 season must be analyzed and have data reported to the ARS scientist by April 1, 2022. All submissions will be made via electronic data files sent to Geoffrey Zanton at contact@example.gov. Evaluation of Submitted Quotes: Technical: Technical aspects of the quote will be evaluated on adherence to required analytical methodology specifications, including procedure numbers or references where applicable. This will be 50% of the evaluation criteria. Past Performance: Laboratories will be evaluated as to whether they are NIRSC reference laboratory. This will be 25% of the evaluation criteria. Price: Lowest prices are preferred. This is 25% of the evaluation criteria. Submitting a Quote: To be eligible for an award, all contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with a current and active registration. A contractor can contact SAM by calling +1 (555) 000-0000 or e-mail at www.sam.gov. NO EXCEPTIONS. A DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet) number is required in order to register. Vendor must also include their DUNS# on their quote. To be eligible, all vendors must also be registered in SAM under the specific NAICS code listed as part of this request for quote. If a prospective vendor is not registered under the specified NAICS code and would qualify to be registered under it then they must update their SAM registration prior to submitting a quote. Finally, to be eligible, all vendors must be NDAA 889 Certified. If they do not currently have a NDAA 889 Certification, then they must complete the attached NDAA 889 Certification form and submit it to contact@example.gov so that they can be added to the list of NDAA 889 Certified vendors. The submission and payment of invoices on the resulting contract will be made through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). As such, vendors must be currently registered or register in IPP in order to be able to submit and receive payment on invoices for the resulting contract. Offerors responding to this announcement shall submit their quote on SF-18. The quote should include all fees, delivery charges, and/or surcharges. This will be a tax-exempt purchase. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Please email all quotes in writing on the SF-18 to contact@example.gov by no later than Monday, May 10, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. CST. Questions in regards to this combined synopsis/solicitation must be submitted through email and are due no later than 4:00 PM CST on Wednesday, May 5, 2020. Answers to any questions received by that time will be posted as an amendment to this combined synopsis/solicitation.