Farm Labor for Orchards, Vineyards and Field, in Parlier, CA

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services 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. (ii) The solicitation number AG-95CV-S-10-0013 is issued as a request for quote (RFQ) (iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-30. (iv) This acquisition is 100% set-aside for small business the NAICS code is 11511. (v) Line Item No. 0001, Provide farm labor services for the period 5/24/10 - 5/23/11. Estimated quantity: 14,400 hours (1,800 days x 8 hours), Hourly rate: ________ vi) USDA-ARS, SJVASC, Parlier, CA requires field labor services, for approximately 1,800 days, or 14,400 labor hours, yearly. Anticipated work for Base Year, 24 May 2010 - 23 May 2011. Orchard work. Field 22, 5 acres. Approximately 1,000 trees, variety of stone fruit: peaches, nectarines, plums. 5 acres, trees of various ages and spacing, as follows: Pruning, Dec - Jan; Thinning, April Hand weeding, June-Aug Vineyard work: Field 11, 4.4 acres; Field 12, 6.0 acres; Field 13, 5.1 acres; Field 21, 2.3 acres; Field 31, 5.0 acres; 23 acres altogether, as follows: Pruning, Dec - Feb, 2 workers, 45 days Tying,.Feb - mid-Mar, 2 workers, 15 days Install vine trellis, Feb - April, 2 workers for 20 days Plan seedling, April, 4 workers for 10 days Rooting grapes - digs holes and plants, April,2 workers for 15 days Install irrigation hoses, April - June, 1 worker for 20 days Weeding, year-round, Mar - Oct, 3 workers , occasionally, year-round Emasculate and pollinate grapes, April 20 - May 5, 10 workers for 9 days Train seedling vines, May - July, 2 workers for 20 days Position shoots and canes, April - May, 2 workers for 10 days Tipping, thinning, girdling, May - June, 4 workers for 20 days Attach ID labels on vine stake, May - June, 2 workers for 5 days Harvest table grapes, July - Oct, 3 workers for 30 days Clean harvested table grapes, July - Oct, 3 workers for 30 days Harvest raisin grapes, Aug 15 - Oct 10, 2 workers for 10 days Clean raisins, Oct 1 - Nov 15, 2 workers for 10 days Install and maintain bird, scaring devices, April - Nov, 1 worker for 10 days Miscellaneous work, Year-round, 2 workers for 10 days Additional work: Primarily seed planting, Year-round, 4 workers In total, approximately 10 workers are anticipated. The Government provides tools and implements for the laborers. Parking is available. Contractor shall provide 2 portable bathrooms, shade and water. Contractor shall pay workers weekly. Contractor shall provide safety training. Minimum guaranteed amount is 2% of anticipated yearly amount. (vii) Work shall be performed during 12 months contract period duration and ordered by task order, as needed. The work shall be performed at the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Science Center, 9511 S Riverbend Ave., Parlier, CA (viii) The FAR provision, 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors--Commercial, applies to this acquisition. (ix) Offers will be evaluated on 1. price, 2. past performance references and 3. intention to utilize current trained personnel and pay them weekly. . Past performance minimum requirement is 3 years demonstratable experience in same work. Address all factors in your response to this solicitation. Award will go to offeror providing best value to the Government. (x) Offerors are advised to include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications--Commercial Items, with its offer, or indicate that your firm is current in www.bpn.gov. (xi) The FAR clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions--Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. (xii) The FAR clause, 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The applicable far clauses cited in the clause are: 52.203-6 Alt I, 52.219-6, 52.219-8, 52.219-14, 52.222-3, 52.222-19, 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222-37, 52.222-39, 52.225-13, 52.232-33, 52.222-41, 52.222-43, 52.222-43. (xiii) Provide evidence of insurance with your quote. The attached Wage Determination 2005-2046 is applicable, in accordance with the Service Contract Act. The contractor shall adhere to OSHA Safety Standards of the U.S. Department of Labor. (xiv) Quotes are due no later than 21 May 2010 at 12:00 noon at the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, ATTN: Louise Snitz; 800 Buchanan Street; Albany, CA 94710, or to louise.snitz@ars.usda.gov or by fax to (510)559-6023. Verify receipt of fax by calling or e-mailing. (xv) Contact Louise Snitz (510)559-6022, or louise.snitz@ars.usda.gov for information regarding this solicitation.