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. Solicitation number RFQ-036-4384-09 is issued as a request for quotation. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 05-35. This procurement is unrestricted. The NAICS code applicable to this procurement is 541380 with a small business size standard of $12,000,000. USDA ARS has a requirement for analysis of peanuts for nutritional parameters. There are two separate analyses sets. CLINs may be awarded as one project or individually to different vendors. CLIN 01 130 samples of raw peanuts for Total Dietary Fiber, Soluble Fiber and Insoluble Fiber content according to a method suitable for the FDA requirement for nutritional labeling, that is AOAC method 991.43. Other methods will be considered if the vendor can provide proof of validation and equivalence to the requested method. The final report will list sample identification numbers and results in grams of fiber per 100 grams of sample as received. It is preferable that testing be performed on whole peanuts. However, if defatted peanuts are required, these will be submitted as peanut flour. CLIN 02 130 samples of raw peanuts and 130 samples of roasted peanuts for folate content by either microbiological assay (AOAC method 960.46) or by mass spectroscopy, if the vendor can offer proof of validation. Please specify which method you are quoting. Analysis by mass spectroscopy is preferred. Quotations on both methods from the same vendor are acceptable. The final report must include sample identification number and total folates reported in micrograms per 100 grams of sample as received if analyzed using the microbiological method. If mass spectroscopy is used, the report must include the sample identification numbers, the individual folates found quantified and reported as micrograms per 100 grams of sample as received. It is preferable that testing be performed on whole peanuts and these will be supplied raw and roasted. However, if defatted peanuts are required, these will be submitted as peanut flour. Awarded company will be required to sign a statement of confidentiality if this is not part of their normal process for submission. All analysis reports must be delivered within 45 business days of receipt of sample without exception. Samples will be made available to the vendor in groups as requested. All unused samples will be returned to USDA ARS Raleigh, NC, when the analyses are completed. Your quotation must include the number of days to complete the required sampling. All analysis reports must be delivered by December 1, 2009. Past performance information: Offers shall provide information on past performance on contracts over the last three years for similar work called for in this solicitation which demonstrate an ability to meet the contract objectives. Offeror shall include the following information, as a minimum: the company name, the total contract value, a brief description of the requirement, an individual's name and contact information who can verify the information provided on the offeror's past performance. Delivery will be FOB Destination to Raleigh, NC. . Any shipping charges should be included in your total price. The provision at 52.212-1, Instruction to Offerors - Commercial, applies to this acquisition. NOTE: Since this is a combined synopsis/solicitation and no written solicitation will be issued, please disregard references to the SF 1449 in this provision; other instructions still apply. The Government will award contract(s) resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror(s) whose offer, conforming to the solicitation, will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. Offers will be evaluated on price, past performance, method of analysis and time frame for completing the project. PAYMENT: Any award made under this solicitation is subject to 31 CFR Part 208 which requires all payments made by the government to be made by electronic funds transfer. Please note on your proposal if you will accept a government purchase (VISA) card. . The Federal Acquisition Regulation (subpart 4.11) requires that contractors be registered in the CCR database prior to being awarded a contract. Detailed information about CCR is available at http://www.ccr.gov/. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (subpart 4.12) now requires that prospective contractors complete electronic annual representations and certifications in conjunction with their required registration in the CCR Database. These annual representations and certifications are submitted via the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA), a part of the Business Process Network (BPN) at http://orca.bpn.gov.This solicitation incorporates the following FAR clauses, provisions and addendums: 52-212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Item; 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items - annual representations and certifications are required. Offers shall include a statement as follows on their offer: the offeror verifies by submission of this offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically at http://orca.bpn.gov have been entered or updated in the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference, except for paragraphs ______________; 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items; 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statues or Executive Orders-Commercial Items. In paragraph B of 52.212-5, the following apply: 52.219-28, 52.222-3, 52.222-19, 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-36, 52.225-13, 52.225-33. In the event the vendor will accept payment via the Government Purchase Card (VISA), the vendor shall annotate on its offer that it will accept the purchase card, and clause 52.232-33 will be superseded by clause 52.232-36. Responses, and provisions identified above are due by 1:00 PM EDT, September 24, 2009, at USDA Agricultural Research Service, 950 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605-2720 (or P. O. Box 5677, Athens, GA 30604-5677). Responses may be mailed, faxed or emailed. Offeror is responsible for verifying with the point of contact that their response was received. Point of contact for this acquisition is Elaine Wood, Contracting Officer,
+1 (555) 000-0000, fax
+1 (555) 000-0000, email
contact@example.gov .
