Custom Blend Formulation Protein Premix

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in 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. Solicitation number 12561520Q0028 is issued as a request for quote (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2020-05. This solicitation will be a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside. The associated NAICS code is 311119, Other Animal Food Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 500 employees and the PSC code is 8710.

The Department of Agriculture (ARS) has the need for the following products and service:

001) Custom Blend Formulation Protein Premix for Lactating Cows (54-tons)

Scope of Work: 

The USDA-ARS at the Marshfield Ag Research Station is requesting price quotes for a protein premix (see attached formulation) for lactating dairy cows. Therefore, quote should represent total cost of the premix, regardless of actual delivery date. Protein premix will be made in four (4) 14-ton deliveries as requested by the University of Wisconsin Marshfield Agricultural Research Station. This quote covers the volume requirements (56 tons) for the lactating herd at the Marshfield Agricultural Research Station for a period of about 85 days. A request for the first delivery can be expected on or after June 1st, 2020, and subsequent deliveries at approximate 21-day intervals.

Background:

Protein premix is a custom blend formulation and constitutes a portion of the diet for lactating cows. See Attachment for the required formulation.

Technical Requirements:

Contractor must blend the protein premix to comply with the formulation specified previously. Feed will be delivered approximately every 21 days, although that will be scheduled with research farm staff (Will Cordes; 715-650-7429) in response to projected needs and feeding rate at the research farm. Deliveries must be made with an elevator or auger truck that can unload into a bin at a height of 25 feet. Deliveries should be made during regular workday business hours (7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday), unless scheduled in advance with farm staff.

Government Furnished:

Feed bin is furnished by the research station; access will be available to delivery driver during regular workday hours.

Key Deliverables:

• Four 14-ton deliveries (56 tons total) of Custom Blend Formulation Protein Premix for Lactating Cows (see attachment for the exact formulation required).

Delivery: 

Schedules deliveries will be made to Marshfield Ag Research Station, 208356 Drake Ave, Stratford, WI (54484). Delivery will be as requested by the University of Wisconsin Ag Research Station/USDA-ARS.  First delivery of a 14-ton load of protein premix will be on or about June 1, 2020, but must be coordinated with farm staff. Subsequent loads will be schedule for delivery at about 21-day intervals, or approximately June 22, July 13, and August 3, but must be coordinated with farm staff.  

The vendor shall provide all items F.O.B: destination. Location of the Government site is aboard USDA ARS Stratford, WI and will be identified in the contract. The Government anticipates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract.

Travel: 

Delivery costs should be included in the bid.

Contractor’s Key Personnel: 

Key personnel for contractor are the mill staff blending the protein premix, as well as the delivery driver.

Security Requirements: 

None, other than deliveries must be coordinated with farm staff, and be scheduled during regular workday business hours.

Submitting a Quote:

To be eligible for an award, all contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with a current and active registration. A contractor can contact SAM by calling 1-866-606-8220 or e-mail at www.sam.gov. NO EXCEPTIONS. A DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet) number is required in order to register. Vendor must also include their DUNS# on their quote.

The submission and payment of invoices on the resulting contract will be made through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). As such, vendors must be currently registered or register in IPP in order to be able to submit and receive payment on invoices for the resulting contract.

Offerors responding to this announcement shall submit their quote on SF-18 (see attached). The quote should include all fees, delivery charges, and/or surcharges. This will be a tax-exempt purchase.

Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Please email all quotes in writing on the SF-18 to aaron.dimeo@usda.gov by no later than Monday, May 11, 2020 at 3:00 PM Central Standard Time.

Questions in regards to this combined synopsis/solicitation must be submitted through email and are due no later than 3:00 PM CST on Thursday, May 7, 2020. Answers to any questions received by that time will be posted as an amendment to this combined synopsis/solicitation.