Attachment 1 Terms and Conditions Solicitation Number 1232SA27Q0025.docx

Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions Solicitation Number:

Bulk Hammered Sawdust Bedding (800 tons) Solicitation Number 1232SA27Q0025

Statement of Requirement The Contractor must supply and deliver Bulk Hammered Sawdust Bedding to support ongoing operational requirements. The procurement structure consists of a one (1) one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods, with a total contract duration not to exceed five (5) years. All supply and deliveries must strictly adhere to the technical requirements, quality standards, and delivery schedules detailed herein and in the attached Specifications document.

Technical Data Technical data and supporting documentation associated with this solicitation are available through the following sources:

1. Solicitation Attachments The following documents are included as attachments to this solicitation and can be accessed via the “Attachments/Links” section of the posting.

· Attachment 1 – Terms and Conditions

· Attachment 2 – Technical Specifications

· Attachment 3 – Price Schedule of Line Items

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses and Provisions The clauses and provisions contained herein are applicable to any order awarded as a result of this solicitation. The terms and conditions set forth herein supersede all other terms and conditions. Acceptance of the order in accordance with (IAW) FAR 12.201-1(b)(2) constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions contained herein.

As part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), system updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also the full text of the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.222-50

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.240-91 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

The following clauses are applicable if checked:

☐ Alternate I (Mar 2020).

☐ Alternate III (Nov 2025) of 52.219-9.

☐ Alternate IV (Nov 2025) of 52.219-9

☐ Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-35 ☒ 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36

This Statement is for Information Only:

It is not a Wage Determination

☐ Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9

☐ Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3 ☒ 52.225-1 Buy American-Supplies (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate I (Oct 2022) of 52.225-1 ☐ 52.225-3 Buy American--Free Trade Agreements--Israeli Trade Act (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate II (Nov 2025) of 52.225-3.

☐ Alternate III (Nov 2025) of 52.225-3.

☐ Alternate IV (Oct 2022) of 52.225-3

☐ Alternate I (Apr 2023) of 52.247-64.

☐ Alternate II (Nov 2021) of 52.247-64 Other Applicable Clauses

AGAR Clauses This solicitation incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.usda.gov/guidance-documents/acquisition-policy/ocp/usda-agar30-sept-26pdf.

AGAR 452.203-70 Unenforceable Supplier Terms (MAY 2026) AGAR 452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Apr 2026) AGAR 452.236-70 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (Sep 2026) Solicitation Information

Award Type

It is anticipated that a firm fixed price contract for the supply and delivery of Bulk Hammered Sawdust Bedding in strict accordance with the technical requirements, quality standards, and delivery schedules detailed in the attached Specifications document consisting of one (1) one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods will be awarded as a result of this synopsis/solicitation. The total duration of this contract shall not exceed five (5) years.

The Government intends to make one award from this solicitation. Therefore, to be considered responsive, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

Evaluation and Basis for Award The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

Evaluation Criteria

Price:

The offeror must provide pricing as requested in Attachment 3 Price Schedule of Line Items and a Firm-Fixed price quotation on company letterhead detailing item description, unit price per item and total price costs for all clin items which must include Offeror’s SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number. Any quantity price discounts and discounts for prompt payment should be included in this section. Failure to propose pricing for all individual line items may result in a quotation being excluded from further consideration. The offeror’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

Technical Acceptability:

Technical Acceptability will be evaluated to receive an overall rating of "acceptable" or "unacceptable." This will be based on the offeror's ability to provide a sound and compliant approach that meets all requirements and shows a thorough understanding of them. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure their quotation clearly demonstrates their capability to meet these requirements. Merely stating that the items meet is not acceptable. All offerors must provide the following minimum information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated:

Meet or exceed all requirements of the product being requested in the solicitation.

Include sufficient descriptive literature or documentation (e.g., product specifications, datasheets, or brochures) to demonstrate how the proposed product meets or exceeds the requirements.

Be available for delivery within the timeframe specified in the solicitation.

Past Performance:

The Government may utilize any references provided by the Contractor, along with information available from past contracts/orders with the USDA and any information found using sources such as Federal Government sources or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine if the Contractor has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

· Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness, cost control, business relations, and adherence to contract terms.

· Neutral: Offeror does not have a past performance record.

· Unacceptable: The contractor has a documented history of failing to meet contract requirements, including poor quality, missed deadlines, cost overruns, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.

Evaluation Method:

The Government will evaluate quotations based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria. Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability. Should the lowest priced offer not receive an acceptable technical or past performance rating, the process will continue in order of lowest priced offer until the lowest price, technically acceptable offer with acceptable or neutral past performance is identified.

Delivery Information F.o.b. destination, is requested as the F.O.B. point for all deliverables inclusive of all costs.

All offers will be considered F.O.B. Destination unless F.O.B. origin is specified AND estimated shipping costs are included.

The USDA requires delivery of all items by December 14, 2026. Early deliveries will be accepted.

Shipping Instructions:

Items shall be shipped to the following address:

USDA, ARS, MWA, Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Marshfield Agricultural Research Station 208356 Drake Ave.

Stratford, WI 54484

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. As a minimum, offers must include— Price Quotation. A Firm Fixed-Price quotation (on company letterhead) detailing item description, unit price per item, total price costs for all clin items which must include Offeror’s SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number.

Technical (Non-Price) Quotation. The Offeror must submit a written technical quotation that demonstrates a clear understanding of the Government’s physical and functional requirements. General statements that the offeror can or will meet the requirements are insufficient.

Price Schedule of Line Items (Attachment 3). Completed and signed providing pricing for all individual contract line-item numbers (CLIN).

Quotation Submission Deadline Quotations are due Monday, November 16, 2026, not later than 3:00 p.m. Central Time. Quotations must be submitted electronically by email only to Contract Specialist, Monte Jordan at monte.jordan@usda.gov. You must include Solicitation Number 1232SA27Q0025 as the subject line of the email. NO late quotations will be accepted.

Period for acceptance of offers.

The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

The following provisions are applicable if checked:

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) to 52.204-7

Other Applicable FAR Provisions 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (Nov 2025)

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Protest Procedures The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to fair, transparent, and efficient acquisitions. Interested parties with concerns about this solicitation are encouraged to seek resolution through the following USDA procedures.

Tier 1: Contracting Officer Concern Resolution

Submission: Interested parties with concerns about either the solicitation or subsequent award should first submit their concern directly to the Contracting Officer, providing sufficient detail to allow the Contracting Officer to understand and assess the issue.

Process: The Contracting Officer will review the concern, seek clarification as needed, and engage with the interested party to attempt prompt resolution.

Review Timeline: The Contracting Officer will make every effort to provide a response or resolution within 10 business days of receiving the concern.

Effect on Award or Performance: Tier 1 engagement is not considered an official notification of filing an agency protest and does not pause solicitation deadlines, delay award decisions, or suspend contract performance.

Next Steps: If the matter cannot be resolved at Tier 1, the interested party may file a written agency protest under Tier 2.

USDA encourages all parties to seek resolution with the Contracting Officer before filing an agency protest.

Tier 2: Agency Protest If concerns cannot be resolved at Tier 1, an interested party may file a written agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or the USDA Independent Review Authority. The decision by the USDA Independent Review Authority is an alternative to a decision by the Contracting Officer. The USDA Independent Review Authority will not consider an appeal of the Contracting Officer’s decision on an agency protest.

The protest must state whether the protester elects review by the Contracting Officer, by the USDA Independent Review Authority. If no election is stated, the Contracting Officer will decide the protest.

Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104-4 (a)(3). Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.

Submission: Agency protests should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer.

Timeliness: Protests must be filed within the timeframes specified in FAR 33.104.

Effect on Award or Performance: Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined to be in the best interest of the Government.

Review Timeline: USDA strives to resolve agency-level protests within 35 business days of receipt.

Election of Forum: By filing a protest with USDA, the protesters agree not to file a protest on the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If such a protest is filed externally, the USDA agency protest will be dismissed.

Questions: Questions regarding this notice or protest procedures should be directed to the Contracting Officer identified in this solicitation.