RFQ 1232SA26Q0555.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

ARS-1232SA

BELTSVILLE MD 20705

RM 3-2102

5601 SUNNYSIDE AVENUE

USDA ARS ACQUISITION AND PROPERTY D

ARS-126333 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

333111

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORARS-1232SA

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

05/07/2026 1700 ET

04/30/2026

6626865296RICHARD HAWTHORNE

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

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

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

1232SA26Q0555

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

1 14 1168995OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

MORRIS MN 56267

803 IOWA AVENUE

MWA SOIL MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

15. DELIVER TO

BELTSVILLE MD 20705

RM 3-2102

5601 SUNNYSIDE AVENUE

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

1,250

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)

USDA ARS ACQUISITION AND PROPERTY D

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.

Delivery: 60 Days After Award

0001 50ph tractor equipped with GPS Mapping, Display, and Autosteer Technology

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

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

XX

DATED

FRANK C. PALMER

. 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.

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

14 2 of

50hp Tractor with Autosteer

1232SA26Q0555

Description -

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Quotations are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 1232SA26Q0555 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a 50hp tractor with autosteer.

This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard Code is 333111 The small business size standard is 1,250 employees This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency.

The USDA, ARS, in Morris, MN has a new requirement for 50hp tractor that meets or exceeds the following, and the attached specification sheet:

John Deere 5075E, or comparable, with the following:

• 50+ hp diesel engine.

• 12F/12R Power Shuttle transmission & MFWD.

• Under 7,000 lbs total weight with 60" rear wheel spacing.

• GPS/Autosteer technology compatible with JD StarFire 7500 and G5 systems.

• Climate-controlled cab with air suspension seat.

• 18.2 GPM hydraulic pump and dual rear SCVs.

• Category 2 or 3N hitch with 2,000 lbs lift capacity.

• 540/1000 PTO.

• Local service center within 60 miles of Morris, MN.

• 24-month / 2,000-hour minimum warranty.

• Trade-in credit for 1999 JD 5210 (15,035 hours).

Price List Quantity Description Unit Price Total Price

1 New Tractor 1 Trade-In Credit (JD 5210)

Total

Award Type

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

50hp Tractor with Autosteer

1232SA26Q0555

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.

The Government will conduct a comparative evaluation of quotes to select the Contractor that is best suited to fulfill the requirement. The evaluation factors are: Price and Technical Capability. The Government reserves the right to select a quote that represents a superior technical solution, even if it is not the lowest priced.

Submission Requirements:

To be considered, provide a quote on company letterhead including:

• Vendor Details: SAM.gov UEI Number.

• Technical Documentation: Descriptive material and a "meets/does not meet" statement for the minimum specifications.

• Pricing: Unit price and total price (including all shipping/delivery costs).

• Timeline: Estimated lead time/delivery date.

• Validity: Quote must be valid for at least 60 days.

Offerors shall identify where the offered item meets or does not meet each of the Government's functional and performance minimum specifications listed herein.

Please ensure all email correspondence includes the solicitation number in the subject line. Emails without the RFQ number in the subject line may not be seen, read, and /or reviewed and therefore disqualified from consideration.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RFQ ARE DUE TO RICHARD HAWTHORNE at Richard.hawthorne@usda.gov, NO LATER THAN 1:00 p. m. ET, May 6th, 2026. Questions will only be accepted via email and WILL NOT be answered if received after this date/time.

QUOTES REGARDING THIS RFQ ARE DUE TO RICHARD HAWTHORNE at Richard.hawthorne@usda.gov , NO LATER THAN 5:00 p. m. ET, May 7th, 2026.

Delivery Address:

USDA-ARS, North Central Soil Conservation Research Lab 803 Iowa Ave Morris, MN 56267 https://usdagcc-my.sharepoint.com/personal/richard_hawthorne_usda_gov/Documents/New%20folder/Checklists/FY26%20Templates/Richard.hawthorne@usda.gov mailto:Richard.hawthorne@usda.gov

Specification Sheet Project: Small Tractor Equipped with GPS Mapping, Display, and Autosteer Technology

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work:

Provide a new 50+ hp tractor equipped with GPS mapping, display, and autosteer technology to be used for various tasks at the Swan Lake Research Farm and at the North Central Soil Conservation Research Lab.

2.0 Background:

The Morris ARS Unit conducts research at the Swan Lake Research Farm. This tractor would replace a high hour John Deere 5210 tractor (purchased in 1999) currently used to power all types of seeding, tillage, spraying and mowing equipment on the Swan Lake Research Farm.

A smaller sized tractor is required for working in and around small-scale research plots. The small size makes navigating in tight areas easier and causes less compaction to the soil within plots.

The tractor needs to be equipped with GPS mapping, display, and autosteer technology.

For research level accuracy, this technology needs to be compatible with equipment that is already installed on other farm equipment, and all systems need to be interchangeable.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements:

Required tractor specifications

1. Total weight less than 7000 lbs and rear wheel spacing of 60 inches from center-to-center of the tires.

2. Engine: diesel, direct injected, turbo charged, intercooled, liquid cooled, engine capable of producing a minimum of 50 hp at a maximum of 2100 RPM

3. Transmission.

a. Power shift with power shuttle shift.

b. Capable of 12F/12R speeds.

c. Equipped with rear differential lock.

4. Mechanical Front Wheel Drive (MFWD)-electronically controlled differential lock

5. PTO-Live independent hydraulic 540/1000 with appropriate output shafts

6. Climate Controlled Cabin: Fully enclosed, rollover protection rated (ROPS) cabin containing all controls necessary for tractor operation, adjustment, and control.

a. Air suspension, swivel seat fully adjustable for height, weight, forward, and back position.

b. Tilt and telescopic steering column.

c. Heated and air conditioned.

7. Hydraulics-Hydrostatic power steering.

a. Hydraulic pump rated at 18.2 gallons per minute.

b. Minimum of 2 selective control valves (hydraulic hookups I and II with both an output and return port) on the rear of the tractor.

8. Three Point Hitch-Category 2 or 3N.

a. Minimum lift capacity 2000 lbs.

b. Electronic draft control.

9. Equipped with GPS mapping, display, and autosteer technology.

a. GPS needs to be comparable to the John Deere StarFire 7500 universal receiver and compatible with the John Deere G5 Universal Display. This equipment is already installed on other farm equipment, and all systems need to be interchangeable.

b. The display needs to run John Deer precision agriculture software for cross compatibility with other farm equipment.

10. Equipped with a weight bracket and the number of weights recommended by the dealer on the front of the tractor body.

11. Local Service and Support: Dealer must have an authorized service center located within 60 miles of the USDA office in Morris, MN. The dealer must provide support for both the mechanical tractor and the GPS/autosteer systems.

12. Warranty-Minimum 24 months or 2000-hour warranty.

4.0 Trade-in Provisions:

1. Asset: One (1) 1999 John Deere 5210 Utility Tractor with climate-controlled cab and

MFWD.

2. Condition: The unit is being traded in "as-is, where-is", and is showing 15035 engine hours. Tractor is still currently in use with no major defects.

3. Quote Requirement: Vendors are encouraged to provide a specific line-item credit in their proposal for the trade-in value of this equipment. The Government reserves the right to accept or decline the trade-in credit as part of the final award.

4. Logistics: The successful vendor is responsible for all labor and transportation costs to haul away the trade-in unit.

5. Timing: The trade-in unit will be released to the vendor only after the new tractor has been delivered and formally accepted by the Government.

5.0 Delivery Address:

USDA-ARS, North Central Soil Conservation Research Lab 803 Iowa Ave Morris, MN 56267

Used tractor to be traded in:

Title of Procurement Solicitation Number

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 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Apr 2026) 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) https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

☒ 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 ☒ 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services ☒ 52.225-1 Buy American-Supplies (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Oct 2022) of 52.225-1 ☒ 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018)

Other Applicable Clauses

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

AGAR Clauses

452.203-71 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance (Dec 2025)

(a) By entering into this contract, the Contractor certifies that:

(1) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and it will remain compliant for the duration of the contract.

(2) Neither it nor any subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and the Contractor and any subcontractor or teaming partner will not do so for the duration of the contract.

(b) If the Contractor participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, the Contractor certifies that it will remain compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The Contractor affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the Contractor is not eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to Contractor’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the Contractor to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) The Contractor must include the provisions of this clause in all subcontract solicitations.

(g) Failure on the part of the Contractor or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate this contract for default.

(End of Clause)

452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Nov 2025)

(a) If unliquidated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (Contracting Officer) 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 Contracting Officer shall immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(b) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing SAP: if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer 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 Contracting Officer may also request a “Contractor Release of Claims” be completed by the contractor, although not required for contracts and orders using SAP.) If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 60 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract close-out upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(c) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing anything other than cost reimbursement, if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and a ‘‘Contractor Release of Claims’’ and will be required to provide a signature on both forms. If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 120 days, the Contracting Officer 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.

(End of Clause)

(END OF CLAUSES)

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) 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 ☒ 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate (Oct 2022)

AGAR Provisions

452.203-70 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Certification (Dec 2025)

(a) By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that:

(3) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(4) Neither it nor any proposed subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(b) If the offeror participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, by submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that it is compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The offeror affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the offeror will not be eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to offeror’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the offeror to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) Failure on the part of the offeror or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate the contract for default.

(End of Provision)

452.211-70 Brand Name or Equal (Sep 2025)

(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-

(5) Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics specified in this solicitation;

(6) Clearly identify the item by-

i. Brand name, if any; and

ii. Make or model number;

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

(8) Clearly describe any modifications the offeror plans to make to 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.

(End of provision)

(END OF PROVISIONS)

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ombudsman Program

The USDA is committed to issuing solicitations and awarding contracts in a fair and prompt manner.

The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to address protest issues within the agency, providing an alternative to costly and time-consuming litigation. Operating independently, OPAP offers relief comparable to that granted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to resolve concerns through USDA’s internal Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process before pursuing external forums such as the GAO.

Concerns may be addressed informally or through a formal agency protest filed with either the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman.

Informal Forum with the Ombudsman

1. Initial Point of Contact: Interested parties who believe a specific USDA procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer.

2. Escalation: If the Contracting Officer is unable to address their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the USDA Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process, the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Utilization of the informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a formal protest with the agency or other forums.

3. Required Information: To ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable).

Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman

1. Effort to Resolve: Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions.

2. Independent Review: If the protester’s concerns remain unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or, alternatively, with the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government.

3. Resolution Timeline: The agency’s goal is to resolve protests within 35 calendar days from the date of filing.

4. Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104(a)(3).

Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.

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

6. Submission: Formal protests under the OPAP program should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer.

Election of Forum. By initiating a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If a protest is filed externally, the agency protest will be dismissed.

mailto:SPE.inquiry@usda.gov

IPP.gov

How to enroll in IPP

Vendors that are required to submit an invoice through IPP do not need to contact IPP to enroll.

Enrollment will be initiated by the agency they are doing business with and will be completed by IPP.

Once enrolled, vendors will receive two emails with an IPP login ID and a temporary password.

If you already have an IPP.gov account, but do not know your login info, please have your Tax ID Number (TIN) ready when your reach out to IPP.

What happens next?

• After an account is established, you will receive two emails. The first one will include your IPP User ID, and 12 to 24 hours later a second email will give you a 12-character password. Use the ID and password to log onto IPP. You will be asked to change the temporary password to one of your own choosing, agree to the rules for using IPP, and set up the answers to security questions.

As a vendor who provides goods or services to a government agency, once logged in you will be granted access to IPP's Collector module which will allow you to view purchase orders, submit invoices, access payment information, and more.

• Please note that only one Administrator can be initially enrolled in your IPP vendor profile. The Administrator can then add additional users as necessary.

• Allow 5 to 10 business days for registration.

• All government vendors must register and continue to maintain their account data in the System for Award Management (SAM) registry and activate it annually. Please visit http://www.SAM.gov/ for more information.

E-mail notifications of payments are sent when a payment is distributed to your bank account and will include all pertinent payment information. The IPP Customer Support Desk is available to assist users Monday through Friday (excluding bank holidays) from 8:00AM - 6:00PM ET, including answering any questions related to accessing IPP or completing the registration process. Their tollfree number is (866) 973-3131 or they can be reached at: IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov