RFQ Cotton Sample Boxes.pdf

PDF 437 KB Posted

Attached to
Cotton Grade Standard Boxes Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number
12639523Q0258
Issued by
Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services

About this file

This request for quotation (RFQ) from the Department of Agriculture solicits offers to provide cotton grade standard boxes. The agency requires 3,017 boxes meeting specifications for interior dimensions of 15 1/4 inches x 13 1/4 inches x 3 1/2 inches with a 1 1/4 inch flanged lid hinged on the 15 1/4 inch side. Boxes must be constructed from white vat lined board and reinforced corners, with an interior covering of EcoFiber, Excel, or equivalent material and a polyolefin hinge. Quotes are due by August 25, 2023 and must include unit pricing for line item 0001, as well as samples from non-incumbent offerors. Award will be made based on technical acceptability, past performance, and price. The selected awardee must arrange delivery of the boxes to zip code 38133 in Memphis, Tennessee.

View the file

Other files for this federal contract opportunity

Other files attached to Cotton Grade Standard Boxes, newest first.
File Type Posted
12639523Q0258 SF 1449.pdf PDF
RFQ Cotton Sample Boxes.pdf PDF
Sample Box Shipping Address.pdf PDF

On GovTribe

Work with this file on GovTribe

  • Download the original file
  • Contacts named in this file
  • Similar government files
  • Ask GovTribe AI about this file

Text version

12639523Q0258 Page 2 of 27 8/10/2023

Request for Quote 12639523Q0258

Cotton Sample Boxes

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Cotton and Tobacco Program (C&T)

The Contractor shall submit a firm-fixed price quote to provide the items requested in accordance with the specifications. The Contractor's unit price shall include all costs associated with furnishing and delivering all materials and for performing all work required under the contract in a complete and acceptable manner. Quotes should be of sufficient detail to determine their adequacy.

PART 1.0 – THE SCHEDULE OF ITEMS Continued

Item Description of Item Unit Quantity Unit Price Total Price

No.

0001 Cotton Standard Sample Box Each 3017 $_________ $_________

Total of All Line Items $_________

1.1 SCHEDULE NOTES & INSTRUCTIONS TO QUOTERS

1. This Request for Quote for commercial items is being conducted in accordance with FAR 13 procedures for commercial items. Simplified acquisition procedures will be followed. The government intends to award a firm fixed price commercial supply purchase order to the selected awardee. The NAICS code for this solicitation is 322211 with a size standard of

1,250 employees.

2. The vendor must be able to provide all line items requested.

3. Shipping is FOB destination and delivery of the boxes to zip code 38133 shall be included in the contractor’s firm fixed price quote.

1.2 EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD AND REQUIRED SUBMITTALS

The Government will award a purchase order in accordance with FAR part 13.106 resulting from this solicitation to the responsible contractor whose quote conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. Award will be made to the contractor quote determined to be the best value and provides the greatest overall benefit to the government. To determine the best value for award and the product that best meets the agency’s need, the USDA’S comparative evaluation of contractor quotes will consider technical capability, past performance and price.

In order to be considered for award of this purchase order the Contractor must submit a complete quote which consists of the following:

• A completed 1449 with blocks 17a, 30a, b and c completed. Vendor shall provide their

12639523Q0258 Page 3 of 27 8/10/2023

SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) with their company information.

• Acknowledgement of any amendments

• A firm fixed price quote showing the prices for line item 0001 in the Schedule of Items.

• Samples: quoters who have not previously contracted with USDA for these boxes will be required to furnish two (2) samples of the boxes he proposes to furnish under the contract within one week of the closing of the RFQ. All Samples will be consumed in testing. The contractor shall not proceed with fabrication of the quantities specified herein until the award has been posted to SAM.gov.

• Completed annual representations and certifications of the provision 52.212-3, Offeror

Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items in www.SAM.gov

• Include a completed copy of 52.212‐3 Offeror Representations and Certifications –

Commercial Products and Commercial Services only if: Annual representations and certifications were not completed electronically in SAM.gov; OR if changes to annual representations and certifications posted electronically at SAM.gov will apply to this solicitation only (i.e. Buy American Certificate (f)).

Note the provision 52.204-7 System for Award Management requiring vendors to have an active registration in SAM prior to submission of a quote.

• Provision 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video

Surveillance Services or Equipment. NOTE: Contractors are not required to complete this provision if they answered “does not” in provisions 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications

Equipment or Services—Representation or 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-

Commercial Products or Commercial Services.

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an agency of the Federal Government and is tax exempt (Tax ID # 41‐069271). The vendor’s price shall not include tax.

Do not include a copy of the entire solicitation with your quote. Contractors need only provide the items described above.

If the contractor’s quote package does not contain all of the items listed above or is not received by the closing date and time listed below, the quote may be considered incomplete for evaluation purposes and no further consideration will be given to the Contractor’s quote, thereby making a contractor ineligible for award.

1.2.1 Questions

The deadline for questions related to this solicitation is Friday, August 18, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.

CT. All questions must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer, Caroline Russell.

Any questions received after that date may not be accepted or answered. Questions will not be answered on the telephone.

1.2.2 Quote Due Date

Quotes shall be submitted via email Caroline Russell at caroline.russell@usda.gov by Friday, August 25, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. CT. Please reference the solicitation number on your documents.

http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_212_3 mailto:caroline.russell@usda.gov

12639523Q0258 Page 4 of 27 8/10/2023

1.2.3 Sample Due Date

Samples must be received by USDA C&T not later than September 1, 2023. Any samples received after that date will not be considered and the quotes not considered for award.

PART 2.0 – SPECIFICATIONS

2.1 BACKGROUND

The boxes are required by the Cotton Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, in connection with the packing and shipping of Official U. S. Cotton Standards, which are carefully fitted into the boxes, sold to commercial firms, trade associations, local, state, and foreign governments, educational institutions, and others interested in U. S. Cotton Standards, and shipped to various destinations.

2.2 SPECIFICATIONS

2.2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The dimensions of the boxes are inside measurements, exclusive of any strips of material affixed to inner surfaces. Boxes shall be clean and free from soil, foreign substance, excess glue or adhesive, smudges, marks or smears. Each box shall have a hinged lid with flanges on three (3) sides. The inside of the lid shall not bind against the sides of the box when the lid is raised or lowered. The lid must be hinged in such a way that the lid will swing all the way back to rest on the flat surface the box is setting on, without straining or loosening the hinge. The hinge, when in a closed position, shall not protrude beyond the sides of the box: it shall have no excessive play or looseness at any point and shall retain its alignment during normal usage of the box. Boxes are to be constructed to close tolerances to allow them to be stacked twenty (20) high in a straight, vertical column without leaning in any direction.

2.2.2 BOX SIZE:

The size of the box will be the finished box inside measurements that follow:

• 15 1/4 inches x 13 1/4 inches x 3 1/2 inches with flanged lid hinged on 15 1/4 inch side.

• The lid will have a 1 1/4 inch flange on each of the (3) unhinged sides.

2.2.3 MATERIALS:

• White Vat Lined Board: The board to be used in construction of the boxes will be free from surface lumps; smooth and flat; be reasonable free from indentations and other imperfections, and have the following physical properties:

o grade - white vat line o color - minimum 65 brightness o caliper - .120 o mullen range - 360 - 420 psi o reg. no. - 17.5 o wt p/m ft - 400 lbs o wt p/m sheets - 2800 lbs (25" x 40")

12639523Q0258 Page 5 of 27 8/10/2023

• Glue or Adhesive: The glue or adhesive used in the fabrication of the boxes will be of the best quality for the purpose intended, insuring adhesion between joined surfaces during flexure. It will also not damage the molecular structure of the materials and be recommended for use on the materials to which applied.

• Reinforcing Material: The 7/8" stays that reinforce all cut corners will be reinforced kraft.

• Box Covering: The box covering will be EcoFiber, Excel, Black 8127, Embossed Kid

921 or an equal material. Equal meaning having published specifications in all areas

(scuff and abrasion resistance, tensile strength, elmendorf tear, etc) equal to EcoFiber, Excel, Black 8127, Embossed Kid 921 and suitable in application as determined by the

Cotton Program, AMS, USDA.

• Hinge: The hinge will be White Croc Loc DTL Polyolefin or an equal material. Equal meaning having published specifications in all areas equal to White Croc Loc DTL

Polyolefin and suitable in application as determined by the USDA, AMS, Cotton

Program.

2.2.4 FABRICATION

• Body of the Box: The bottom and sides of the box will be made of the white vat lined board specified in 3.A. Blanks will be die cut (scored) in one piece. Each joining cut corner will be reinforced its complete length on its outer surface with the glued on material as specified in 3.C.

• Lid of the Box: The lid and its flanges (sides) will be made of the white vat lined board specified in 3.A. Blanks will be die cut (scored) in one piece. Each joining cut corner will be reinforced its complete length on its outer surface with the firmly glued on material as specified in 3.C.

• Hinge of the BOX: The lid will be fastened to the box with a hinge securely applied lengthwise on the 15 1/4 inch side of the box and will be of the material specified in 3.E.

The hinge will be on the inside of the box and will extend from the bottom of box 3 1/2 inches upward to where the lid joins the box and 2 1/2 inches onto the lid. The hinge will have no excessive play or looseness and will retain its alignment during normal usage of the box.

• Covering the Box: The box will be covered with the material specified in 3.D. The covering will overlap a minimum of 1 inch on the bottom surface of the box and 1/2 inch

+ or - 1/16 inch turnin on the 3 non hinged upper inside surfaces. The material will be firmly glued and applied with neat corners and edges.

• Covering the Lid: The lid will be covered on the top and three (3) flanges with the material specified in 3.D. The covering will have a turn in of 3/4 inches on the inner surfaces and will also extend down the back side of the box (3 1/2 inches) and lap under the bottom of the box 1 1/4 inches. This will serve as an external hinge. The material will be firmly glued and applied with neat corners and edges.

2.3 DELIVERY

The contractor must arrange delivery of the boxes to zip code 38133, Memphis, Tennessee.

2.4 GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

Any and all questions regarding the contract terms and conditions must be directed to the

Contracting Officer Caroline Russell.

12639523Q0258 Page 6 of 27 8/10/2023

Contracting Officer

Caroline Russell

USDA, APHIS, AAMD, MRP

250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410C

Minneapolis, MN 55401

Phone: (202) 570-2312

Email: Caroline.Russell@usda.gov

2.5 INVOICES AND PAYMENT INFORMATION

The USDA, APHIS uses the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for electronic submission and tracking of invoices and payment information to its suppliers of goods and services. Invoices shall be submitted electronically to the IPP invoicing system. The contractor must enroll at https://ipp.gov.

Invoices must be prepared in accordance with 52.212-4 (g) and submitted in arrears. Advance payment is not authorized.

mailto:Caroline.Russell@usda.gov https://ipp.gov/

12639523Q0258 Page 7 of 27 8/10/2023

PART 3.0 – CONTRACT CLAUSES

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This contract 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 clauses may be accessed electronically at these addresses:

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance Oct 2018

52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance Aug 2020

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items Dec 2022

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive

Orders - Commercial Items (Jun 2023)

The following clauses in 52.212-5 are considered checked and applicable:

_X_ (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN

2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

_X_ (8) 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (JUN 2023) (Section 102 of

Division R of Pub. L. 117-328).

_X_ (9) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors

Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (NOV 2021) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (15)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (23)(i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (MAR

2023)( 15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

_X_ (28) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (JUN 2003) (E.O.11755).

_X_ (29) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (DEC

2022) (E.O.13126).

_X_ (30) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

_X_ (31)(i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O.11246).

_X_ (36)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and

E.O.

_X_ (45) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (JUN

2020) (E.O. 13513).

_X_ (49)(i) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (OCT 2022) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

_X_ (52) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (FEB 2021) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the

Treasury).

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ http://www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_10 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section6101&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_27 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_6 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section6101&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_6 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_28 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_19 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_21 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_50 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_18 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_1 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_13

12639523Q0258 Page 8 of 27 8/10/2023

_X_ (59) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award

Management (OCT2018) ( 31 U.S.C. 3332).

AGAR 452.204-70, Modification for Contract Closeout (DEVIATION JULY 2022)

Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) according to FAR Part 13.

(a) If unobligated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting

Officer (CO) shall issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but will not be required to provide a signature. The CO shall immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(b) If unobligated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the CO shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and will be required to provide a signature. (The CO may also request a Release of Claims be completed by the contractor, although not required for contract and orders using SAP.) If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the CO within 60 days, the CO shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

PART 4.0 – PROVISIONS

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 address:

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.204-7 System for Award Management Oct 2018

52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting Aug 2020

52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance

Services or Equipment (NOV 2021)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_33 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section3332&num=0&edition=prelim http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_26

12639523Q0258 Page 9 of 27 8/10/2023

Commercial Products or Commercial Services. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain

Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition.

(1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal

Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.

Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal

Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.

This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_25

12639523Q0258 Page 10 of 27 8/10/2023

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award

Management (SAM) ( https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(d) Representation. The Offeror represents that—

(1) It □ will, □ will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the

Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that—

It □ does, □ does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures.

(1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph

(b)(1) of this provision.

https://www.sam.gov/

12639523Q0258 Page 11 of 27 8/10/2023

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

52.211‐6 Brand Name Or Equal (AUG 1999)

(a) If an item in this solicitation is identified as "brand name or equal," the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government’s needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that "equal" products must meet are specified in the solicitation.

(b) To be considered for award, offers of "equal" products, including "equal" products of the brand name manufacturer, must‐

(1) Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristic specified in this solicitation;

(2) Clearly identify the item by‐

(i) Brand name, if any; and

(ii) Make or model number;

(3) Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer; and

(4) Clearly describe any modifications the offeror plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modifications.

(c) The Contracting Officer will evaluate "equal" products on the basis of information furnished by the offeror or identified in the offer and reasonably available to the Contracting Officer. The

Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer.

(d) Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an "equal" product, the offeror shall provide the brand name product referenced in the solicitation.

52.212‐1 ADDENDUM

12639523Q0258 Page 12 of 27 8/10/2023

Provision 52.212‐1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items – March 2023 is replaced in its entirety by this addendum.

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code(s) and small business size standard(s) for this acquisition appear elsewhere in the solicitation. However, the small business size standard for a concern that submits an quote, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519, if the acquisition—

(1)Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold;

(2)Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the quoterwaives the price evaluation preference; or

(3)Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value.

(b) Submission of Quotes. Submit quotes to Caroline Russell at caroline.russell@usda.gov at or before the date/time specified in this solicitation. See Part 1.2 EVALUATION FACTORS FOR

AWARD AND REQUIRED SUBMITTALS for quotation submission requirements.

(c) Quote Term. Quotations shall be valid for at least 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of quotations, unless another time period is specified in the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of quotes. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender’s request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple Quotations. Quoters are encouraged to submit multiple quotations for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each quote submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Submission deadline. Quotes must be received by the date and time specified in this solicitation. A late quote will not be considered unless it is received before award is made and the

Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late quote would not unduly delay the acquisition. In the case of an emergency or unanticipated event that delays Government operations so that quotes cannot be received, the deadline will be extended by one working day.

(g) Contract Award. Quotations should contain the quoter’s best technical and price terms. The

Contracting Officer may reject any or all quotations. The Contracting Officer may award to other than the quoter with the lowest priced quotation. After conducting a comparative evaluation of quotations in accordance with FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, the Contracting

Officer may negotiate final terms with one or more quoters of the Government’s choice before issuing the contract. The Contracting Officer will not negotiate with any quoters other than those

12639523Q0258 Page 13 of 27 8/10/2023 of the Government’s choice and will not use the formal source selection procedures described in

FAR part 15.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may issue a contract for any item or group of items of a quotation, unless the quoter qualifies the quotation by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, quotations may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified.

The Government reserves the right to issue a contract for any item for a quantity less than the quantity quoted, at the unit prices quoted, unless the quoter specifies otherwise in the quotation.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.

(1) (i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item

Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained for a fee by submitting a request to-

GSA Federal Supply Service Specifications Section

Suite 8100 470 East L’Enfant Plaza, SW

Washington, DC 20407

Telephone (202) 619-8925

Facsimile (202) 619-8978.

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans

Affairs issued this solicitation, a single copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained free of charge by submitting a request to the addressee in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision. Additional copies will be issued for a fee.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the following

ASSIST websites:

(i) ASSIST ( https://assist.dla.mil/online/start/).

(ii) Quick Search ( http://quicksearch.dla.mil/).

(3) Documents not available from ASSIST may be ordered from the Department of Defense Single

Stock Point (DoDSSP) by-

(i) Using the ASSIST Shopping Wizard ( https://assist.dla.mil/wizard/index.cfm);

(ii) Phoning the DoDSSP Customer Service Desk (215) 697-2179, Mon-Fri, 0730 to 1600 EST; or

(iii) Ordering from DoDSSP, Building 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA

19111-5094, Telephone (215) 697-2667/2179, Facsimile (215) 697-1462.

http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://assist.dla.mil/wizard/index.cfm

12639523Q0258 Page 14 of 27 8/10/2023

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) Unique entity identifier.(Applies to all quotes that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and quotes at or below the micro-purchase threshold if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).) The Quoter shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its quote, the annotation "Unique Entity Identifier" followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Quoter’s name and address.

The Quoter also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Quoter to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see FAR subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Quoter does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Quoter should indicate that it is a quoter for a

Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

(k) Requests for information. The contracting officer will not notify unsuccessful quoters that responded to this solicitation. Quoters may request information on award(s) resulting from this solicitation from the contracting officer.

52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and

Commercial Services (Dec 2022)

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management

(SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

"Covered telecommunications equipment or services" has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video

Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13

CFR part 127, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

Forced or indentured child labor means all work or service—

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-32#FAR_Subpart_32_11 http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_25 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/part-127 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/part-127 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-127.300

12639523Q0258 Page 15 of 27 8/10/2023

Highest-level owner means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

Immediate owner means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror.

Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

Inverted domestic corporation, means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

Manufactured end product means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000-

9999, except—

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

Place of manufacture means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

Predecessor means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

Reasonable inquiry has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of

2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of

2007) conducting the business can demonstrate—

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets

Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education;

or http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title6-section395&num=0&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title6-section395&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_25

12639523Q0258 Page 16 of 27 8/10/2023

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended."Sensitive technology"—

Sensitive technology—

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically—

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the

President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3)of the

International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern—

(1) Means a small business concern—

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veteransor, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran.

(2) Service-disabled veteran means a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

Small business concern—

(1) Means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field of operation, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR part 121 and size standards in this solicitation.

(2) Affiliates, as used in this definition, means business concerns, one of whom directly or indirectly controls or has the power to control the others, or a third party or parties control or have the power to control the others. In determining whether affiliation exists, consideration is given to all appropriate factors including common ownership, common management, and contractual relationships. SBA determines affiliation based on the factors set forth at 13 CFR 121.103.

Small disadvantaged business concern, consistent with13 CFR 124.1002, means a small business concern under the size standard applicable to the acquisition, that—

(1) Is at least 51 percent unconditionally and directly owned (as defined at 13 CFR 124.105) by—

(i) One or more socially disadvantaged (as defined at13 CFR 124.103) and economically disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.104) individuals who are citizens of the United States;

and

(ii) Each individual claiming economic disadvantage has a net worth not exceeding

$750,000 after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR124.104(c)(2); and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled (as defined at

13.CFR 124.106) by individuals, who meet the criteria in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii) of this definition.

Subsidiary means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned—

(1) Directly by a parent corporation; or

(2) Through another subsidiary of a parent corporation

Successor means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term "successor" does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section101&num=0&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section101&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/part-121 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/part-121

12639523Q0258 Page 17 of 27 8/10/2023 only changes its name. The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State law and specific circumstances.

Veteran-owned small business concern means a small business concern—

(1) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans (as defined at 38

U.S.C. 101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans.

Women-owned business concern means a concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of its stock is owned by one or more women; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women

Women-owned small business concern means a small business concern—

(1) That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and

(2) Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

Women-owned small business (WOSB) concern eligible under the WOSB Program (in accordance with 13 CFR part 127), means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300.

(b)

(1) Annual Representations and Certifications. Any changes provided by the Offeror in paragraph

(b)(2) of this provision do not automatically change the representations and certifications in SAM.

(2) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in

SAM accessed through http://www.sam.gov. After reviewing SAM information, the Offeror verifies by submission of this offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial

Products and Commercial Services, have been entered or updated in the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard(s) applicable to the NAICS code(s) referenced for this solicitation), at the time this offer is submitted and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201), except for paragraphs ______________.

[Offeror to identify the applicable paragraphs at (c) through (v) of this provision that the offeror has completed for the purposes of this solicitation only, if any.

These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted electronically on SAM.]

(c) Offerors must complete the following representations when the resulting contract is for supplies to be delivered or services to be performed in the United States or its outlying areas, or when the contracting officer has applied part 19 in accordance with 19.000(b)(1)(ii). Check all that apply.

(1) Small business concern. The offeror represents as part of its offer that—

(i) It □ is, □ is not a small business concern; or https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/part-127 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-127.300 http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_212_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-4#FAR_4_1201 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-19#FAR_Part_19 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-19#FAR_19_000

12639523Q0258 Page 18 of 27 8/10/2023

(ii) It □ is, □ is not a small business joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 121.103(h) and 13 CFR 125.8(a) and (b). [ The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: __.]

(2) Veteran-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it □ is, □ is not a veteran-owned small business concern.

(3) Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern. [ Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a veteran-owned small business concern in paragraph (c)(2) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that—

(4) Small disadvantaged business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents, that it □ is, □ is not a small disadvantaged business concern as defined in 13 CFR 124.1002.

(5) Women-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it □ is, □ is not a women-owned small business concern.

(6) WOSB joint venture eligible under the WOSB Program. The offeror represents that it □ is, □ is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR

127.506(a) through (c). [ The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: __.]

(7) Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) joint venture. The offeror represents that it □ is, □ is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 127.506(a) through (c). [ The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: __.]

(8) Women-owned business concern (other than small business concern). [Complete only if the offeror is a women-owned business concern and did not represent itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it □ is a women-owned business concern.

(9) Tie bid priority for labor surplus area concerns. If this is an invitation for bid, small business offerors may identify the labor surplus areas in which costs to be incurred on account of manufacturing or production (by offeror or first-tier subcontractors) amount to more than 50 percent of the contract price:____________________________________

(10) HUBZone small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents, as part of its offer, that–

(i) It □ is, □ is not a HUBZone small business concern listed, on the date of this representation, as having been certified by SBA as a HUBZone small business concern in the

Dynamic Small…

This is the start of the file's text. The full file is on GovTribe.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .