Question and Answer for Sol 12505B24Q0221.pdf

Question and Answer for Solicitation # 12505B24Q0221

Q: What kind of animals would the service be used for? Would it be one type of animal like a herd of sheep or would it be a variety ranging from cattle, horses, sheep, goats, etc.?

A: As it is stated in the title, description, and attachments of the solicitation the only kind of animals this service is for are cattle.

Q: Are services expected to be completed in one day?

A: The services are not required to all be done in one day, however two days would be our limit.

Q: What are known hoof issues seen on farms? (i.e. DD, white line, sole ulcers etc.)

A: Known hoof issues we typically see are DD, warts, and abscesses

Q: Will there be bulls needing trimmed?

A: We currently only have 1 bull on campus. Depending on the future plans of the research, he may need trimmed. We do have steers on campus that we would like to have trimmed.

Q: What is ratio of dairy/beef?

A: 90% dairy, 10% beef cows roughly

Q: Each order session can have 75-300 head during the order session, with 3 order sessions per calendar year. What is the total head count per calendar year? 900 head through the chute per year?

A: The total head count for trimmings per year is expected to be around 200 head. Due to changing needs of our research we MAY need to add an extra session which would bring it to 300 head.

Orders will be placed against the IDIQ on an as needed based (estimated 2 or 3 per year) and the sum of all orders issued will be up to (but not exceed) the yearly maximum of 300 heads.

Q: Will there ever be a time when one service would include all 300 animals? Or will the 300 animals be split up per visit? Example: 150 cattle trimming services in this spring/summer, 150 cattle services in the summer/autumn for a total of two services for the year.

A: See answer to the prior question. The number of animals trimmed will be split per visit. We will have exact numbers when the times to trim comes closer.

Q: Does USDA provide treatment supplies (i.e. copper sulfate, blocks, wrap etc.) or would I supply the treatment supplies?

A: Vendors are responsible for supplying the treatment supplies.

Q: It's not uncommon for lesions to be found while trimming cattle. Should I supply prices for wraps, blocks and glue, etc. or will this all need to be provided at a flat rate?

A: The price quoted is to be a flat rate per head for each ordering period (year) of the contract.

Q: I know the contract says to let personnel know and the veterinarian to see the cattle but will I be providing the care for any ailments or will the vet?

A: The vendor is to be provide the care. However, we need to know which cows are receiving treatment so we can document it and/or take pictures for records.

Q: My understanding is that the quote is based around annual amounts or how should this quote be structured? Would a template or example be available to reference for this?

A: The award will no be based on annual amounts. The price quoted is to be a flat rate per head for each ordering period (year) of the contract. See the SF1449 quote submission form and attachments as they outlines the quote structure. No templates or examples are available.

Q: Will power 220v 40A minimum single phase (outlet NEMA 14-50R ideal) be available at each place the chute is to be set up or do I need to factor running a generator into my quote?

A: No, as that type of outlet is not common on campus. As such, you should factor running a generator into your quoted price.

Q: Are we permitted to submit a monthly invoice for a percentage of the total contract amount (i.e., the total sum divided by 12 months) even if no cattle were trimmed in that month?

A: No, we cannot be invoiced at a monthly rate even if no cattle were trimmed. No funds will be obligated for this contract at the time of award (i.e. the award amount will be $0.00). Each order issued against the contract will be individually funded and invoices will be issued after service completion for the actual number of cattle hoof trimmings that were performed.

Q: Should invoicing be based on the number of cattle trimmed during each of the three seasonal sessions, with the amount reflecting the actual services performed up to the 300 cattle maximum?

A: Orders will be placed against the IDIQ on an as needed based (estimated 2 or 3 per year) and the sum of all orders issued will be up to (but not exceed) the yearly maximum of 300 heads. The invoices will be for the actual number of cattle trimmed under each order that is issued against the IDIQ after services have been fully rendered.

*Note: The award will be an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. The total head count per year (ordering period) is not set as the heard size will very somewhat each year over the life of the contract. The awarded contract will be for a set rate to perform a trimming per head for each year (ordering period) up to the yearly maximum of 300 heads. The 75 guaranteed minimum is for the whole period of performance (POP) of the contract. The 300 maximum is per year (ordering period) of the contract. After the 75 guaranteed minimum for the whole term of the contract, the total head count per year will be 0 – 300. Individual orders will be placed against the IDIQ contract on an as needed basis for the number of heads that require a trimming. It is estimated that 2 or 3 orders will be issued per year. The sum of all orders issued per ordering period will be up to (but not exceed) the yearly maximum of 300 heads (or up to 100 per order). The POP of each ordering period will not be a calendar year, but July 15th of the then current year to July 14th of the following year as outlined on the quote submission forms and attachments (or 07/15/2024 – 07/14/2029). Invoices will be issued after completion of each order issued against the IDIQ for the actual number of cattle that had their hooves trimmed. No funds will be obligated for this contract at the time of award (i.e. the award amount will be $0.00). Each order issued against the contract will be individually funded. The total amount the winning vendor will received under the contract will depend on the actual number of cattle trimmings that are performed over the period of performance (POP) of the contract (per year and for the whole five years of the contract).