15 Holstein or Holstein Cross Calves

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is conducting a market survey to identify qualified vendors capable of supplying 15 Holstein or Holstein-cross calves for a research project examining mucosal colonization of Mannheimia haemolytica in cattle. This is a Sources Sought Notice, not a formal solicitation, and is intended to determine whether adequate Small Business, HUBZone-certified, 8(a), Women-Owned, or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business contractors are available to meet the project's specific requirements. The calves must meet strict health and sourcing criteria, including being BVD-negative, Mycoplasma bovis negative, colostrum-deprived, 7-8 weeks old, dewormed, and sourced from farms within 100 miles of Ames, Iowa. Interested vendors must submit a Capabilities Statement by 5 PM CST on January 16, 2026, indicating their company status (Small Business designation, if applicable) and demonstrating their expertise in supplying animals meeting these specifications. No award will result from this notice, and the government will use responses to determine whether to restrict competition to small business entities or proceed with an unrestricted solicitation.

The procurement carries no specific set-aside designation, though the ARS is evaluating whether to reserve it for qualifying small business categories. The anticipated NAICS code is 112111 (Beef Cattle Ranching and Farming) with a size standard of $2.5 million, though no explicit budget or contract value has been disclosed in this market research phase. The calves must be delivered to the USDA National Animal Disease Center at 1920 Dayton Avenue in Ames, Iowa between mid-March and mid-April 2026, providing vendors with approximately two months to source and prepare the animals for delivery. The Animal Resources Unit will retain the right to exclude any calves that do not meet the Statement of Work requirements, and communication between the government and vendors will determine final specifications. Inquiries regarding this opportunity should be directed to Kerrie Hodges at kerrie.hodges@usda.gov.