15 Holstein or Holstein Cross Calves

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Mid-West Area National Animal Disease Center is soliciting quotations for 15 Holstein or Holstein-cross calves to support bovine respiratory disease research. The primary objective is to acquire calves that meet stringent health and age specifications, including BVD-negative status, Mycoplasma bovis-negative status, colostrum deprivation, and 7-8 weeks of age. Solicitation number 1232SA26Q0035 will be evaluated using lowest price technically acceptable criteria, with only the lowest priced offer initially assessed for technical acceptability to ensure compliance with all salient characteristics and specifications detailed in Attachment 2. Price fairness and reasonableness will be evaluated under FAR 12.204, and offerors must maintain active SAM.gov registrations with prices held firm for 90 days from receipt. Questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted by March 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM CST to kerrie.hodges@usda.gov, with quotations due by March 17, 2026.

This is an unrestricted solicitation with no small business set-aside; however, the government has identified Superior Livestock Inc. (3911 Cardinal Ave., Joice, Iowa 50446) as the sole source capable of meeting requirements based on comprehensive market research. The estimated quantity is 15 calves, with delivery required between mid-April and mid-May 2026, and the award will be issued as a firm-fixed price purchase order with all lab fees and delivery included in the contract price. Calves must be sourced from farms within 100 miles of Ames, Iowa, and delivered F.O.B. destination to 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010. While the specific award value is not disclosed in the solicitation documents, this is classified as a simplified acquisition under the commercial items threshold. All responsible vendors with active SAM registrations will be considered for award, despite the government's identification of Superior Livestock as the preferred contractor.