This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 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 No. 12505B21Q0204 is being issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ). This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2021-06. The NAICS code applicable to this acquisition is 111150 (Corn Farming). This requirement is 100% open for full and open competition.

The USDA, ARS lab in Ames, Iowa has a requirement for winter corn pollination in Mexico. The Government intends to award one firm fixed price contract.

This acquisition is for the following item as identified in the Contract Line Item Number (CLIN):

CLIN 1: Winter corn pollination in Mexico, per Statement of Work document attached to this solicitation.  

The Contractor shall provide all items F.O.B. destination.  Location of the Government site is aboard USDA ARS Ames, IA and will be identified in the contract. 

Offerors responding to this announcement shall submit their Proposal in accordance with FAR 52.212-1. 

The basis for award is Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).  LPTA means the best value is expected to result from selection of the technically acceptable proposal with the lowest evaluated price.  Pursuant to FAR 52.212-2, the criteria for evaluation are: (1) Company Experience and (2) Price and must also have satisfactory Past Performance.  The lowest priced proposal will first be evaluated for technical acceptability in accordance with the minimum specifications identified.  If determined not technically acceptable, it will be removed from competition and the next lowest priced proposal will be evaluated for technical acceptability.  This will continue until the lowest price proposal is determined technically acceptable.  Once the lowest priced proposal is determined technically acceptable, then a determination of responsibility will be completed.  If found responsible, evaluations will be closed and award will be made.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED IN QUOTE: In order to be considered for award, Offerors shall provide 1) technical approach*; 2) price; and 3) Company's DUNS number.

*Technical approach of the service being offered will be used to make an evaluation and arrive at a determination as to whether the quote will meet the requirements of the Government.  Therefore, technical approach must present sufficient information to reflect a thorough understanding of the requirement. Quotes which merely paraphrase the requirements of the Government's specifications/statement   of work or use such phrases as "will comply" or "standard techniques will be employed" will be considered unacceptable and will not be considered further.

REJECTION OF QUOTATION: Failure to demonstrate compliance will be cause to reject the quote without further discussions. All responsible sources may submit an offer which will be considered.

To be eligible for an award, all contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).  A contractor can contact SAM by calling 1-866-606-8220 or e-mail at www.sam.gov.  NO EXCEPTIONS. A DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet) number is required in order to register.  All invoices shall be submitted electronically.

Questions will be accepted via email only to Kristen Turner, Contracting Officer at [email protected] and shall be received no later than 3:00 PM Central on August 11, 2021. No phone calls will be accepted. Questions will be answered in the form of a modification to this solicitation.

Furnish quotes no later than 3:00 PM Central, August 20, 2021 to Kristen Turner, Contracting Officer at [email protected] .  Quotes will only be accepted via email, no phone calls will be accepted.