Box furnace with Retort-Atmospheric

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial goods and commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in FAR subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is 12405B24Q0376 and is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). The NAICS code is 423610. This solicitation document incorporates those provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2022-06. The USDA requires a Box Furnace with atmospheric retort per the attached required specifications.

1. Chamber width greater than 27 cm.
2. Chamber depth greater than 60 cm.
3. Chamber height greater than 28 cm.
4. Chamber volume greater than 1.6 cubic feet.
5. Maximum temperature range of 1050 °C.
6. Minimum operating temperature of 350 °C.
7. Suitable for nitrogen atmospheres.
8. Equipped with temperature and high-limit controllers.
9. Tested prior to shipping.
10. Ships fully assembled.

This equipment will replace current, but antiquated furnace/retort at Center. Current equipment is nearing end-of-life with controller parts no longer in production, and difficult to source. Current equipment is used to produce biochars for the Center, as well as other ARS units across the United States, and supports agreements with other federal agencies such as the EPA. Failure of the unit also poses a safety risk as a faulty controller could potentially lead to unstable temperatures in the unit.

DELIVERY ADDRESS: USDA-ARS, Coastal Plains Soil, Water & Plant Research Center, 2611 West Lucas Street, Florence, SC 29501

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED IN QUOTE: In order to be considered for award Offerors shall provide 1) a Quote on company letterhead detailing the item description, unit price per item, discounts for trade-ins, total price and valid for at least 60 days after receipt of quote; and 2) FAR 52.212-3, OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATION-COMMERCIAL ITEMS; The Representation and Certification section must be completed electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) website at www.sam.gov. Please include the solicitation number, 12405B24Q0376, in all email communications, or your quote may not be considered. QUOTED PRICE MUST INCLUDE: any delivery costs as well as any applicable duties, brokerage, or customs fees.

REJECTION OF QUOTATION: Failure to demonstrate compliance will be cause to reject the quote without further discussions. All responsible sources may submit an offer and will be considered.

The following clauses and provisions apply to this acquisition. 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference; 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS; 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS applies,; 52.222-3, Convict Labor; 52.233-3, Protest after award; 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity; 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans; 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities; 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans; 52.222-19, Child Labor - Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies; 52.223-2 Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts; 52.223-15 Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products; 52.223-17 Affirmative Procurement of EPA-designated Items in Service and Construction Contracts; 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases; 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - System for Award Management; applicable to this acquisition; 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference; 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS; 52.223-1 Biobased Product Certification; 52.223-4 Recovered Materials Certification; 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items ; 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS; 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services.

PAYMENT: Any award made under this solicitation is subject to 31 CFR Part 208 which requires all payments made by the government to be made by electronic funds transfer.

Contractors intending to conduct business with the Federal Government MUST register with the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to submitting quotation. You may register online at www.sam.gov. Any amendment and documents related to this procurement will be available electronically at the Internet site: http://www.sam.gov.

FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Item, the significant evaluation factors, in the relative order of importance, are (i) technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement including delivery date; (ii) past performance; and (iii) price (based on F.O.B. Destination), technical and past performance are more important than price. Award will be made based on overall BEST VALUE to the Government.

The government anticipates award of a firm fixed priced contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforms to the specifications that will be the most advantageous to the government in accordance with FAR 13.106-2. All questions regarding this solicitation should be emailed to the Contracting Officer no later than 5:00PM EST on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Responses shall include technical specifications, descriptive material, and capabilities of the offeror’s equipment. Offerors shall identify where the offered item meets or does not meet each of the Government's functional and performance minimum specifications listed herein. Quotations are to be addressed to Kelly Bero, Contract Specialist, at Kelly.Bero@usda.gov.