Custom Ferret Cage Racks with Cages

* Refer to the attachments for the complete detail.

The purpose of this Amendment #1 is to add 9 additional cages, expand the evaluation factors, and to allow the Government's option to increase quantity through November 30, 2015 [see section highlighted in yellow]. Offerors must include a statement in their offer that they acknowledge this RFQ Amendment #1.

General Overview:

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) is the Nation's federal health sciences university and is committed to excellence in military medicine and public health during peace and war. We provide the Nation with health professionals dedicated to career service in the Department of Defense and the United States Public Health Service and with scientists who serve the common good. We serve the uniformed services and the Nation as an outstanding academic health sciences center with a worldwide perspective for education, research, service, and consultation; we are unique in relating these activities to military medicine, disaster medicine, and military medical readiness. USU is located in Bethesda, MD on the grounds of the Naval Support Activity Bethesda.

Additional information regarding USU can be found on our website: www.usuhs.mil.

USU has a requirement for 2 custom ferret cage racks with 4 cages in each rack and 14 custom ferret cages racks with 2 cages in each rack.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items 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. This is a request for quotes (RFQ) for commercial items in accordance with the procedures of FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This RFQ incorporates all provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2005-83, effective July 2, 2015 and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), effective June 26, 2015.

This requirement is set-aside for small business concerns under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 332999 All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing with a size standard of 750 employees. In order to be eligible for award, offerors must be registered on SAM.gov with completed Representations & Certifications (Reps & Certs).

This requirement is subject to the non-manufacturer rule. Offerors responding to this requirement may offer items manufactured by small businesses. All offerors submitting a quote for this requirement manufactured by a company other than themselves must provide the full, official name of the manufacturer. The manufacturer's socio-economic status will be verified in SAM.gov.

Offerors interested in responding to this requirement must provide a quote for 2 custom ferret cage racks with 4 cages in each rack and 14 custom ferret cages racks with 2 cages in each rack that best meets the specifications listed below. Firm-fixed price (FFP) purchase order(s) (POs) will be issued. Split awards are possible. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple quotes 2 custom ferret cage racks with 4 cages in each rack and 14 custom ferret cages racks with 2 cages in each rack, which will be evaluated separately by the Government.

This is a first-time purchase and we do not have any related previous purchase order information.

Specifications:

USU plans to purchase custom ferret cages to meet our research needs for the next year to three years. We require racks of ferret cages that meet our size restrictions, social enrichments per AAALAC standards, among other requirements to support multiple research protocols. We need following custom racks of ferret cages:

Desired Specifications for 2 Ferret Cage Racks with 4 Cages
1a. Quantity: 2 racks with 4 cages in each rack (8 individual cages)
1b. Dimensions: 28"W x 70"H x 57"D each rack with 5" casters
1c. Material: 304 stainless steel (SS) construction
1d. Size: 11-13 sq. ft. of interior animal space per each rack when horizontally paired
1e. Caster base and main frame components constructed of SS 1-1/2' x 1-1/2' box tube
1f. Supported on autoclavable SS 5" caster wheels with locking casters on front of the rack with zerks in axle and raceway
1g. Walls constructed of 0.0162" gauge SS welded wire panels with #2 wire mesh
1h. Four individual ferret-housed compartments that can be pulled out that can be horizontally or vertically paired with neighboring compartments
1i. Separation panels between cages for the center dividers (wires that the animals can see through) and the floor/ceiling dividers
1j. Hinged front door on each compartment with secure latch and provisions for a lock
1k. A waste pan door under the top cages to secure floors, ceilings, and waste pans in place
1l. A SS spring-loaded latches under the bottom cages to secure the waste pans
1m. Push/pull handle on the dividers between the cages
1n. Four or more resting platforms and raised surfaces with ramps within each cage for animal enrichment
1o. Platforms made of thermal neutral plastic material and ramps made of #2 wire mash
1p. Sloped waste pans for easy wash-down or removable waste pans
1q. Handles along the ends of unit between the top and bottom racks on both sides for maneuvering. This is to allow us to push the entire unit down the hallway.
1r. Matte finish
1s. Integrated 3x5" horizontal card holder on the top left side of each cage
Desired Specifications for 13 Ferret Cage Racks with 2 Cages
2a. Quantity: 14 racks with 2 cages in each rack (28 individual cages)
2b. Dimension: 33"W x 32"D x 69"H each rack
2c. Material: 304 stainless steel (SS) construction
2d. Size: 5 sq. ft. of interior animal space per cage
2e. Removable SS doors and J feeders
2f. 1" square SS tubing rack
2g. Front doors are electro-polished and includes a door mounted "J" style SS feeder along with water bottle holder mount
2h. Five holes for externally-mounted water bottle in the bottom half of the cage and going up every inch for each hole
2i. An integrated 3x5" horizontal card holder on the top left side of each cage
2j. Cage doors with SS perimeter lip guards to prevent escapes through the front door area and a two-point latch for security that is operable using one hand
2k. Thumb latch to ensure against accidental opening
2l. Standard SS castors with autoclavable wheels: Two wheels with breaks and all with zerks in axle and raceway
2m. A single removable cage insert on each of three levels to remove animal waste and excrement
2n. Removable cages and excreta pans made of high-temperature polycarbonate that resists chemicals typically used in cage washers
2o. The rack and all components must be autoclavable and withstand 250 degree heat and steam.
2p. Cage floors made on smooth, warm, comfortable surface for animals to rest on
2q. Round ½" perforations in the cage bottom with domes in between for better passage of urine and solid waste through to excreta pan.
2r. Each cage compartment with individual perforated ceiling panel to prevent escapes
2s. A baffle in the feeder unit to prevent smaller ferrets from escaping and an extra SS perimeter lip guard on the doors to prevent escape through the cage front door area
2t. A removable flip-up resting board on each right side of the cage, 4 to 6 inches up
2u. A ferret tunnel attached to the rear of the rack and animals can socialize vertically between cage levels. From the top cage to the bottom cage to run the clear wire tube.
2v. The SS and polycarbonate tubing tunnels are secure but easily detachable for routine cleaning
2w. closed panel slides to deny animal access to the tunnel or to close the opening when the tunnel is removed

Autoclavable means the ability to withstand 250°C autoclave washes.

We may have the need to purchase additional cages. Interested offerors must present prices that are valid through November 30, 2015.

Evaluation / Award Detail:

The Government intends to issue firm-fixed priced (FFP) purchase order(s) (POs) to the offeror representing the best value to the Government based on the evaluation factors listed below. Evaluation factors are listed in order of importance, with most important listed first. The Government will conduct a trade-off between price and non-price factors. The Government is not required to award to the lowest priced offeror or the offeror quoting the highest technically rated item.

The government reserves the right to award without discussions.

Evaluation Factors (in order of importance):

1. Technical. Offerors must provide literature, which demonstrates the capabilities of the quoted service(s). At a minimum the literature must demonstrate that the quote meets USU's requirements. The Government reserves the right to utilize technical (e.g. trade magazines) and customer reviews/references as part of the technical evaluation.

2. Past Performance. The Government may evaluate the offeror's present and past performance on similar tasks within the past three years. The Government officials' personal experience may also be considered. Offerors must provide two (2) customer references for similar work performed. The Government reserves the right to select which reference(s) to contact and whether or not to contact the reference(s) at all. The following information must be provided for each reference:
a. Name of client and address;
b. Name of current PoC, including title, phone number, and email address;
c. Contract number, if available;
d. Contract value (total cost);
e. Contract period of performance (PoP); and
f. A clear description of the service provided.

3. Corporate Experience. Offerors are required to provide a narrative of their corporate experience in offering the required units.

4. Price. Offerors must include all applicable costs in the quote. The total quoted price including options will be the evaluated price. The prices must be valid through November 30, 2015. Offerors must include their preferred method of payment (DFAS EFT or GPC Visa Card). USU prefers to make payment(s) using the Visa Government Purchase Card (GPC), unless it would incur additional service charges.

In addition to providing the product literature, offerors must also submit a copy of the completed CLIN Structure spreadsheet* in the quote package. Those offerors who fail to provide this copy in the quote package may be deemed nonresponsive.

CLINs 0001 and 0002: 2 custom ferret cage racks with 4 cages in each rack and 13 custom ferret cages racks with 2 cages in each rack*
CLIN 0001: Desired Specifications for 2 Ferret Cage Racks with 4 Cages Quoted Specification Reference Page No. in the Quote Package/Product Literature
1a. Quantity: 2 racks with 4 cages in each rack (8 individual cages)
1b. Dimensions: 28"W x 70"H x 57"D each rack with 5" casters
1c. Material: 304 stainless steel (SS) construction
1d. Size: 11-13 sq. ft. of interior animal space per each rack when horizontally paired
1e. Caster base and main frame components constructed of SS 1-1/2' x 1-1/2' box tube
1f. Supported on autoclavable SS 5" caster wheels with locking casters on front of the rack with zerks in axle and raceway
1g. Walls constructed of 0.0162" gauge SS welded wire panels with #2 wire mesh
1h. Four individual ferret-housed compartments that can be pulled out that can be horizontally or vertically paired with neighboring compartments
1i. Separation panels between cages for the center dividers (wires that the animals can see through) and the floor/ceiling dividers
1j. Hinged front door on each compartment with secure latch and provisions for a lock
1k. A waste pan door under the top cages to secure floors, ceilings, and waste pans in place
1l. A SS spring-loaded latches under the bottom cages to secure the waste pans
1m. Push/pull handle on the dividers between the cages
1n. Four or more resting platforms and raised surfaces with ramps within each cage for animal enrichment
1o. Platforms made of thermal neutral plastic material and ramps made of #2 wire mash
1p. Sloped waste pans for easy wash-down or removable waste pans
1q. Handles along the ends of unit between the top and bottom racks on both sides for maneuvering. This is to allow us to push the entire unit down the hallway.
1r. Matte finish
1s. Integrated 3x5" horizontal card holder on the top left side of each cage
CLIN 0002: Desired Specifications for 13 Ferret Cage Racks with 2 Cages Quoted Specification Reference Page No. in the Quote Package/Product Literature
2a. Quantity: 14 racks with 2 cages in each rack (28 individual cages)
2b. Dimension: 33"W x 32"D x 69'H each rack
2c. Material: 304 stainless steel (SS) construction
2d. Size: 5 sq. ft. of interior animal space per cage
2e. Removable SS doors and J feeders
2f. 1" square SS tubing rack
2g. Front doors are electro-polished and includes a door mounted "J" style SS feeder along with water bottle holder mount
2h. Five holes for externally-mounted water bottle in the bottom half of the cage and going up every inch for each hole
2i. An integrated 3x5" horizontal card holder on the top left side of each cage
2j. Cage doors with SS perimeter lip guards to prevent escapes through the front door area and a two-point latch for security that is operable using one hand
2k. Thumb latch to ensure against accidental opening
2l. Standard SS castors with autoclavable wheels: Two wheels with breaks and all with zerks in axle and raceway
2m. A single removable cage insert on each of three levels to remove animal waste and excrement
2n. Removable cages and excreta pans made of high-temperature polycarbonate that resists chemicals typically used in cage washers
2o. The rack and all components must be autoclavable and withstand 250 degree heat and steam.
2p. Cage floors made on smooth, warm, comfortable surface for animals to rest on
2q. Round ½" perforations in the cage bottom with domes in between for better passage of urine and solid waste through to excreta pan.
2r. Each cage compartment with individual perforated ceiling panel to prevent escapes
2s. A baffle in the feeder unit to prevent smaller ferrets from escaping and an extra SS perimeter lip guard on the doors to prevent escape through the cage front door area
2t. A removable flip-up resting board on each right side of the cage, 4 to 6 inches up
2u. A ferret tunnel attached to the rear of the rack and animals can socialize vertically between cage levels. From the top cage to the bottom cage to run the clear wire tube.
2v. The SS and polycarbonate tubing tunnels are secure but easily detachable for routine cleaning
2w. closed panel slides to deny animal access to the tunnel or to close the opening when the tunnel is removed

Refer to the attached CLIN Structure spreadsheet. Please note there are two sheets to be completed in the Excel file.

All offers/quotes must be valid until September 30, 2015 with the prices valid through November 30, 2015.

The Federal Government prefers not to use third-party-payment merchants, e.g. PayPal, to exchange currencies. This is because these merchants can mask the actual merchant/vendor and impede the Government's effort to promote transparency. If these third-party-payment merchants must be used, offeror must include a compelling justification in the quote package. This will be considered as a part of the Price evaluation factor.

See attached list for applicable provisions and clauses for this requirement.

Offerors must also submit the following required provisions with their quote:
a. Completed copy of provision 252.209-7992
b. Completed copy of provision 252.225-7035

Quoted items must be new. Quotes for refurbished equipment will not be considered.

Offerors must also indicate in quote where item is manufactured.

Items will be shipped to Bethesda, MD.

Deadlines:

Questions/clarifications regarding this solicitation must be submitted via email to andrew.lee@usuhs.edu by 2:00PM ET on August 26, 2015. Any question received after 2:00PM ET on August 26, 2015 will not be answered. Questions will not be answered over the phone or submitted by any other means. All questions will be answered in an amendment to the solicitation posted on or around August 27, 2015.

Quote packages are due by 10:00PM ET on September 1, 2015. Quotes must be submitted via email to andrew.lee@usuhs.edu. Quotes will not be accepted by any other means. Late quotes will not be considered. Quote packages should include a cover sheet that provides the following information:
a. Official Company Name;
b. Point-of-contact (PoC), including name, email address, and phone number;
c. DUNS Number; and
d. Statement that acknowledges the latest amendment number-only if an amendment had been issued for this RFQ.