C04_RFQ_124PSA27Q0017.pdf

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

124PSA

KANSAS CITY MO 64108

SUITE 6NE

2300 MAIN STREET

OCP, SERVICE AND SUPPLY DIVISION

FSIS-LAB-EASTERN CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

541380

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR124PSA

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

12/01/2026 1200 ET

11/17/2026

ALEXIS GALLOWAY

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

124PSA27Q0017

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 3 1174793OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

ATHENS GA 30605

950 COLLEGE STATION RD.

USDA, FSIS, OPHS, EASTERN LAB

15. DELIVER TO

KANSAS CITY MO 64108

SUITE 6NE

2300 MAIN STREET

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$19

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

OCP, SERVICE AND SUPPLY DIVISION

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

The purpose of this Request for Quote (RFQ) is to acquire proficiency test samples for all FSIS labs.

0001 Base Period: (January 1, 2027 - December 31, 2027) PT Samples for Eastern, Western, and Midwestern labs Product/Service Code: 6640 Product/Service Description: LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

AND SUPPLIES

Continued ...

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

DATED

MONIKA B. MASEI

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Delivery: 01/01/2027

Period of Performance: 01/01/2027 to 12/31/2027

1001 Option Period 1: (January 1, 2028 - December 31, 2028)

PT Samples for Eastern, Western, and Midwestern labs

(Option Line Item)

Product/Service Code: 6640

Product/Service Description: LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

AND SUPPLIES

Delivery: 01/01/2028

Period of Performance: 01/01/2028 to 12/31/2028

2001 Option Period 2: (January 1, 2029 - December 31, 2029)

PT Samples for Eastern, Western, and Midwestern labs

(Option Line Item)

Product/Service Code: 6640

Product/Service Description: LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

AND SUPPLIES

Delivery: 01/01/2029

Period of Performance: 01/01/2029 to 12/31/2029

3001 Option Period 3: (January 1, 2030 - December 31, Continued ...

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

3 2 of

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

3 3

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

124PSA27Q0017

2030)

PT Samples for Eastern, Western, and Midwestern labs

(Option Line Item)

Product/Service Code: 6640

Product/Service Description: LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

AND SUPPLIES

Delivery: 01/01/2030

Period of Performance: 01/01/2030 to 12/31/2030

4001 Option Period 4: (January 1, 2031 - December 31, 2031)

PT Samples for Eastern, Western, and Midwestern labs

(Option Line Item)

Product/Service Code: 6640

Product/Service Description: LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

AND SUPPLIES

Delivery: 01/01/2031

Period of Performance: 01/01/2031 to 12/31/2031

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

IDIQ for Proficiency Samples for all FSIS labs Solicitation Number 124PSA27Q0017

Statement of Requirement This project for Proficiency Samples to the Field Service Laboratories (FSL) for all Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) labs will establish an Indefinite Delivery-Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) supply contract for proficiency testing (PT) sample sets and associated evaluation services supporting the three FSIS Field Service Laboratories. The requirement supports laboratory quality assurance programs and ongoing compliance with ISO 17025 accreditation standards.

The Contractor will provide meat-based PT samples compatible with applicable USDA FSIS microbiology and chemistry methods, distribute samples to designated laboratories, receive and evaluate laboratory results, and provide comprehensive PT performance reports. Required testing areas include major foodborne pathogens, sanitary indicators, and food chemistry analyses.

This effort will provide an independent, standardized proficiency testing program that helps verify laboratory competency, supports accreditation requirements, and ensures the continued production of accurate and reliable regulatory testing results.

See Attachment 1 – Statement of Work for a complete list of requirements.

Schedule of Items See Attachment 2 - Schedule of Items to insert pricing per sample. Only the first three tabs titled EL Pricing Proposal, WL Pricing Proposal, and MWL Pricing Proposal need to be completed.

If shipping charges are not applicable or worked into the pricing for the sample, please make note of which applies in your quote submissions and enter "0" into the appliable fields in the Schedule of Items.

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 - Statement of Work

• Attachment 2 – Schedule of Items

2. External Website Access

Additional technical data, including reference materials, is available at the following website:

• Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook (MLG) [https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/publications/microbiology-laboratory-guidebook]

• Chemistry Laboratory Guidebook (CLG) [https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/publications/chemistry-laboratory-guidebook] Offerors are encouraged to review all materials prior to proposal submission.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/publications/microbiology-laboratory-guidebook https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/publications/microbiology-laboratory-guidebook https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/publications/chemistry-laboratory-guidebook https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/publications/chemistry-laboratory-guidebook

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

52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.212-4 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.222-50 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (Sep 2025) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Sep 2025) 52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (Nov 2025)

☐ 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:

☒ 52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Aside (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Mar 2020).

☒ 52.222-3 Convict Labor (June 2003)

☒ 52.222-19 Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36 ☒ 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Apr 2026) ☒ 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

☒ 52.225-5 Trade Agreements (Nov 2023) ☒ 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018)

Other Applicable Clauses

52.216-18 Ordering (Aug 2020) 52.216-19 Delivery – Order Limitations (Oct 1995) 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) 30 calendar days prior to contract expiration 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)

(a) 30 Calendar days prior to contract expiration and 60 days

(c) five years.

52.247-34 F.O.B. Destination (Jan 1991)

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 indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract 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.

https://www.usda.gov/guidance-documents/acquisition-policy/ocp/usda-agar30-sept-26pdf

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 lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) to the Government.

Technical Approach:

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. All offerors must provide the following minimum information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated:

• Ability of the offeror to meet the schedule requirements listed in the Statement of Work

(SOW).

• Detailed explanation of any requirement listed in the SOW that cannot be successfully accomplished by the offeror. Offerors are advised that the USDA intends to award without discussions so any exceptions may cause the quotation to be found technically unacceptable.

Price:

The offeror shall provide pricing as requested in the Schedule of Items on page 2 of this Request for Quote. 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.

For purposes of evaluation, the potential need to exercise the option under FAR 52.217-8 to extend a period of performance for a maximum period of six (6) months beyond any period of performance will be considered the same for all offerors. The Government will consider that if the extension of service clause (FAR 52.217-8) is exercised, it will be on the exact same rates and terms, other than length of performance, as the period of performance being extended. For purposes of evaluation only, the Government will use the rates specified in the last option period and add the cost of six months to the prices proposed for the base period and all option periods to determine total evaluated price of the contract. The Government will determine whether the price, including the options available under FAR 52.217-8, is fair and reasonable.

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.

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 the dates listed in the Delivery Order Schedule attached to delivery orders from the resulting IDIQ. Early deliveries will be accepted.

Shipping Instructions:

Items shall be shipped to the following address(es):

Eastern Laboratory 950 College Station Road Athens, GA, 30605

Midwestern Laboratory 7654 Natural Bridge Road Normandy, MO 63121

Western Laboratory 800 Buchanan Street Albany, CA 94710

Qualification Requirement Offerors, or the product or service, are not required to meet a qualification requirement as defined in FAR Part 9 and AGAR Part 409 to be eligible for award.

Other Information - Include any other information as needed for the solicitation.

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)

FAR 52.212-1 is amended as follows:

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.

Questions Questions shall be submitted via email to alexis.galloway@usda.gov and are due no later than November 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. This will ensure enough time to respond before the solicitation period ends. Please include the solicitation name and number as the subject line of the email.

Quotations Quotes shall be submitted via email to alexis.galloway@usda.gov and are due no later than December 1, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Please include the solicitation name and number as the subject line of the email. Quotation acceptance is not guaranteed without the correct solicitation number in the subject line.

• Quotes must be provided via Attachment 2 – Schedule of Items. Quotes may also be provided as a PDF but only the Schedule of Items will be evaluated. The following information must also be provided via email, PDF, or MS compatible products:* o Unique Entity ID (UEI) o Vendor main point contact information (name, email, and phone number) o Country of origin for all items o Company’s complete mailing and remittance addresses o Discounts (e.g. for prompt payment) if applicable

*The Government reserves the right to automatically disqualify any quote/proposal that does not include this information.

mailto:alexis.galloway@usda.gov mailto:alexis.galloway@usda.gov

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017) 52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations - Representation (Sep 2025) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (Sep 2025) 52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Nov 2025)

The following provisions are applicable if checked:

☒ 52.204-7 System for Award Management—Registration (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) to 52.204-7 ☒ 52.222-18 Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products (Feb 2021) ☒ 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate (Oct 2022) ☒ 52.225-4 Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.225-6 Trade Agreements-Certificate (Feb 2021)

Other Applicable FAR Provisions

52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (Nov 2025) 52.225-18 Place of Manufacture (Aug 2018)

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.

mailto:SPE.inquiry@usda.gov

The following provisions are applicable if checked: