Digitize Bound Herbarium Volumes

       This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6, and is being conducted according to FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

                (ii) The solicitation number and a statement that the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ).

                (iii) A statement that the solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAR FAC 2024-05 May 22, 2024.

                (iv) This is a Total Small Business set aside and the associated NAICS code is 518210 and the small business size standard is $40 Million.

                (v) See attached document Statement of Work.

                (vi) USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Northeast Area (NEA), National Arboretum in Washington, DC is seeking a Contractor to provide high-resolution imaging of 10 fragile herbarium volumes, containing approximately 2520 bound pages (specimens) total.

*See attached Statement of Work for additional information*  

      (vii) Performance location: USDA, ARS, NEA, 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington DC, 20002.

                (viii) Provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services, applies to this acquisition.

                (ix) Provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, applies to this acquisition. The Government intends to award a Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) contract. The award will be made on the basis of Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). "LPTA" means, the expected outcome of the acquisition, that results from the selection of the lowest evaluated price (evaluated as total cost of all line items) is a technically acceptable quotation, that fully meets all specifications listed. Only the lowest priced quote will be evaluated for technical acceptability (based on the specifications). The next lowest offer will only be evaluated if the aforementioned quote is not found technically acceptable (and so on). Only one award will be made under this solicitation based on availability of funding.

In order to be considered for award OFFERORS SHALL SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:

(a)        Submit documentation showing technical capability to meet or exceed Performance Elements and Benchmarks in the Statement of Work

(b)        Submit Firm Fixed Price quotation (quote on company letterhead) detailing the item description, total price and valid for at least 60 days after receipt of quote. Item delivered FOB Destination inclusive of all costs.

(c)        Submit Unique Entity ID (UEI) with quotation.

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

                (x) Offers must have a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, uploaded on Sam.gov by the time quotes are due.

                (xi) The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, applies to this acquisition.

                (xii) The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services, applies to this acquisition. See attached clauses for additional applicable clauses.

                (xiv) All questions regarding this announcement must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Specialist, via email to dilynn.rogers@usda.gov by 5 September 2024. Telephone requests for information will not be accepted or returned. Quotes are due on 10 September 2024 NLT 12pm EST by email to, Dilynn Rogers at dilynn.rogers@usda.gov.

DISCUSSIONS: The Government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct discussions should it be deemed in the Government's best interest.