QnA_V2.pdf

RFQ 75F40126Q132404 - Mini Swine Caging

Questions and Responses

Question 1: Are there any compromises on the specifications or do these cages need to pair with existing caging already on site?

Response: We cannot compromise on the specification, but the new cages do not necessarily have to pair with existing cages on site. We have 6 cages that interlock that could be for one housing room. The new cages must be able to interlock with each other and will go in a separate housing room.

Question 2: We make numerous collapsible cage designs and wanted to confirm that other similar designs are not being considered.

Response: We are only considering the design laid out in the solicitation.

Question 3: The specs call for a piglet panel that attaches to the front wall and side wall of the pen, which implies it would be installed diagonally, is this correct?

Response: Yes, the panel should go diagonally across the cage to allow the dam more room and the piglets to have a smaller triangular shaped area of the cage.

Question 4: Is there a minimum area that should be within this piglet area?

Response: There is no minimum for the piglet area as long as the piglet panel and cage meet the specifications already laid out in the solicitation.

Question 5: Does the panel need to slide in from outside the pen, or is it put in place by entering the pen and placing it in the appropriate location?

Response: Either would work for our purposes. Our current cages require entering the cage and then sliding the panel into place, but they are almost 50lbs. and difficult to place. That is why we included the 25lb weight limit for this panel.

Question 6: If it is installed from inside the pen, would a square space be acceptable/preferable to the triangular space a diagonal panel would create?

Response: We would prefer a triangular space. Our current cages bisect the cage in half to create two squares, and we have not been as happy with that design.

Question 7: Can we get additional details on the type of heat source for the piglets?

Response: We need a way to hang or clip a heat lamp for the piglets.

Question 8: "120 Days After Contract Award" is listed as lead time, can we change this to "After Design/Drawing Approvals"?

Response: See Page 7 of the solicitation/RFQ, specifically FAR 52.212-1 and note that all information needs to be submitted with the quote so that the government may perform an evaluation on what is being offered. Thus, there will be no period after award where drawings will be submitted; therefore, the delivery time for the initial purchase of cages will be 120 days after award of the contract.

Question 9: Can we get a room layout for the building 62 rooms where these units would be going in?

Response: Our rooms are 25 feet long, 12.5 feet wide. There is a door in the middle of each of the shorter walls that opens to the inside of the room. Our current cages are 6’x4’, and we could fit 8 of this size pen in the room if needed.

Question 10: Are the overall dimensions of the unit listed already set? (53.5" x 78.5") Or do we have some wiggle room to work with?

Response: The cages need to be the dimensions listed in the solicitation to fit into the room and to provide enough space for minipigs for our space calculations based on weight of the pig as laid out in The Guide for the Care and Use of Animals and the USDA regulations.

Question 11: Is there a ceiling needed for the piglet panel?

Response: No ceiling is needed. The panel needs to be vertical.

Question 12: Can we get an extension since this is due on Feb 4th (next Wednesday)?

Response: The due date quotes for quotes to be submitted can be extended to Monday, February 9, 2026 at 2pm Central time.

Version 2 added questions:

Question 13: Are there any photos you could share of how you currently set up the piglet area?

Response: We cannot take pictures in the animal housing facility of the actual cages as that is against NCTR’s photo policy, so no photos can be provided.

Question 14: Please confirm the 10” space under the pen, it makes for a tall cage.

Response: Yes, this is correct. This is the height of our current mini swine cages and helps facilitate cleaning underneath the cage.

Question 15: • What are the height restrictions as far as moving the cage through the facility, cage wash, etc.?

Response: Our doors are 82 inches. The collapsed cages will need enough clearance to go through these doors.

Question 16: Is there a defined height for the “full height” personnel door?

Response: The height of the personnel door should be the same full height of the cage walls to allow personnel to walk into the cage.

Question 17: Do you require removable waste pans under the cage floor?

Response: No, we do not.

Question 18: Do you need a wire panel under the front wall to prevent escaped piglets from getting under the pen?

Response: No, we do not.

End of Q&A

Note: No further questions will be entertained for this solicitation as of 09:00 am Central time on 01/27/2026.