Cotton Scope Instrument (Fiber Analyzer), USDA, ARS, NEW ORLEANS, LA

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items 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 12405B23Q0622 and is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). The NAICS code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing. This solicitation document incorporates those provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-05. 

The US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service requires (QTY 1) Cotton Scope Instrument (Fiber Analyzer).   Must include all described in the specifications. SEE ATTACHED 

Minimum specifications are:
- Automatic measurement of cotton maturity using polarized light image analysis
- Automatic measurement of cotton ribbon width using image analysis
- Automatic measurement of cotton fiber fineness
- Automatic calculation of micronaire for cotton fiber
- Compliance with ASTM D8394-21 Standard Test Method for Automated Measurement
of Maturity, Fineness, Ribbon Width, and Micronaire of Cotton Fibers
- Double guillotine cutter for fiber preparation
- Spare parts kit required for instrument maintenance

Any quotes not meeting the minimum requirements in the specifications will not be considered. 

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, 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 https://beta.sam.gov/.

REJECTION OF QUOTATION: Failure to demonstrate compliance will be caused 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. FAR 52.204–27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application, 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.

DELIVERY: FOB Destination. Deliver to the USDA, ARS, 1100 Allen Toussaint Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124
QUOTED PRICE MUST INCLUDE: any delivery costs as well as any applicable duties, brokerage, or customs fees. 

DELIVERY DUE DATE: The Government requires delivery on or before 30 ARO, however, each offeror shall include their proposed delivery schedule as part of their quotation.

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: https://beta.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. Responses shall include technical specifications, descriptive material and capabilities of the offeror’s equipment. Offerors shall identity where the offered item meets or does not meet each of the Government's functional and performance minimum specifications listed herein. All sources wishing to furnish a quotation must respond by 2:00 p.m. central standard time, August 25, 2023. Quotations are to be addressed to Shalunda Mix, Contract Specialist, at shalunda.mix@usda.gov. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Contracting Officer by email. REFERENCE SOLICITATION NUMBER IN SUBJECT LINE OF ALL E-MAIL correspondences.

All questions must be submitted in writing by 2:00 p.m. central standard time August 22, 2023.