H -- Bulk Milk Sample Testing

The USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspections Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) CEAH NAHMS (National Animal Health Monitoring System) Fort Collins, Colorado intends to procure Testing of up to 1,000 bulk milk samples for BVD via PCR during a 5 month period (March thru July 2007) as per Statement of Work attached. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial supplies prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 12.6, and supplemental information included in this notice. Simplified procurement procedures will be used as well as commercial item acquisition regulations per FAR 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The reference number for this effort is 85179 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). The provisions and clauses incorporated into this solicitation document are those in effect at the time of publication. Provisions and clauses incorporated by reference have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. The full text of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) can be accessed on the Internet at http://farsite.hill.af.mil/ This is offered as a Full and Open Competition. All responsible parties may submit an offer. The associated NAICS Code is 541380 and the size standard is 10 Mill. This requirement consists of testing of up to 1000 bulk milk samples for (BVD) Bovine Viral Diarrhea via PCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction during a 5 month period (March 2007 to July 2007) as described in the statement of work attached. Deliverables and acceptance of deliverables will be at USDA NAHMS - National Animal Health Monitoring System, MS2E6, Building B, 2150 Center Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80526. The testing awarded under this contract must be delivered to the NAHMS Office with the frequency of deliverables: Requesting test results/analysis (via Excel Spreadsheet) every 2 weeks throughout the course of the study via email to NAHMS/Jason Lombard when award has been made. The provision at 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial applies to this solicitation. The provision at 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Items applies to this solicitation. The following text is added to Paragraph (a) of FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation ? Commercial Item, applies to this solicitation. A competitive award will be made to the responsible firm with the quote representing the overall Best Value. The following factors will be considered in the trade off process: Technical capability, past performance and price. Technical capability and past performance when combined are considerably more important than price. The provision 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items applies to this solicitation. The contractor shall return a completed copy of the Offeror Representations and Certifications with their quotation. A copy of the provision may be attained from http://www.arnet.gov/far The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) is not applicable to this acquisition. The clause at 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items applies to this acquisition. The clause at 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following FAR clauses identified in FAR 52.212-5 are considered checked and are applicable to this acquisition; 52.222-3 Convict Labor; 52.222-19 Child Labor ? Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies; 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity; 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans; 52.222-25 Affirmative Action Compliance; 52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities; 52.225-3 Buy American Act ? North American Free Trade Agreement-Israeli Trade Act; 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases; 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer Central Contractor Registration (CCR). To be awarded this contract, the offeror must be registered in the CCR. CCR information may be found at http://www.ccr.gov. Faxed quotes are acceptable. All questions concerning the RFQ must be submitted in writing and faxed to (612) 370-2136 or emailed to susan.c.fedorko@aphis.usda.gov The assigned Purchasing Agent is Susan Fedorko. No telephonic response to this solicitation will be accepted. Due date for receipt of responses to this RFQ will be 1 p.m. Central Time 02/13/2007. United States Department of Agriculture, Minneapolis Contracting Office, 100 North Sixth Street, Butler Square, 5th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55403