Liquid Nitrogen

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation (NCGRP) in Fort Collins, CO is in need of Liquid Nitrogen for the 2016 fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2015 - Sept. 30, 2016). The associated NAICS code is 325120, Industrial Gas Manufacturing. 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 separate solicitation notice will not be issued. Solicitation #AG-8KAP-S-15-0007 is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ). The solicitation document, with the incorporated clauses and provisions, is issued in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and will be incorporated in the awarded purchase order. The following clauses and provisions, included in the solicitation document, are applicable to this procurement: 52.212-1, 52.212-2, 52.212-3, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5. Please note that this list is not all-inclusive and interested firms should reference the solicitation document for all relevant clauses and provisions. Requirement: Liquid Nitrogen supply for one year. The purchase order will be awarded based on a fixed price per ton for the yearly estimate of 340 tons (approximately 28.3 tons monthly). See the attached Specifications for the complete requirements. Firms that are able to supply the required liquid nitrogen are encouraged to submit a quote, in accordance with FAR 52.212-1. Quote Submission Instructions: 1. Page one of the solicitation document, the Standard Form 18 (SF-18), needs to completed, signed, and submitted with any other relevant documentation. 2. Quotes must be submitted via email by 4pm MST, Sept. 4th, 2015, to Molly Jackson at Molly.Jackson@ars.usda.gov. Notice of Set-Aside for Small Business Concerns: This requirement is a Total Small Business Set Aside. Contractor shall be registered in the SAM (System for Award Management) at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ prior to the offer receipt time. Quotes received from vendors not registered by the submission deadline will be rejected and not considered for award. Representations and Certifications: Vendors should have their Representations and Certifications completed within SAM. However, if they are not, please include a completed copy of the provision 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items, with your quote. Delivery: All liquid nitrogen orders must be delivered within 72 hours of a call being placed to the following location: USDA, ARS, PA National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation 1111 South Mason Street Fort Collins, CO 80521 This is a "Buy Best Value" acquisition. The Evaluation Factors are: 1. Technical: This factor will be evaluated based on how well the offeror can meet the requirements outlined in the specifications. 2. Past Performance: This factor will be evaluated based on the offeror's capability and capacity to meet the contract requirements, based on past contract performance. Past performance will be assessed based on references provided for two similar contracts within the last two years, or by known past performance with the procurement office. If no references are provided and there is no known past performance, the vendor will be given a neutral rating. 3. Price: Offerors are encouraged to provide discounts in their pricing. The Government will evaluate prices offered for reasonableness in accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a) - Basis for Award. The evaluation factors are prioritized in the following order of importance (most important to least important): 1, 3, 2. ***This award is subject to the Availability of Funds, in accordance with FAR 32.706-1(a). This purchase order will be awarded this fiscal year, but is not effective until next fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2015). Therefore, funds are not currently available for this contract. Upon availability of funds on or after Oct. 1, 2015, a contract modification will be completed to add the funds.