Expedited order: purchase 250 tons of 2018 quality of 100% alfalfa or 100% grass or alfalfa/grass mix HAY/feed round bales (1200-1600 LBS max weight)

IMPORTANT - NOTICE TO INTERESTED SMALL BUSINESS CONTRACTOR

This RFQ is a 100% set-aside for Total Small Business; and it is also a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, #123SD18P0320 (see attached), announcement for Commercial Item prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.

Considering the recent drought in 2017, USDA ARS has an urgent requirement to purchase 250 TONS OF 2017 QUALITY OF 100% ALFALFA OR 100% GRASS OR ALFALFA/GRASS MIX HAY/FEED ROUND BALES (1200-1600 LBS MAX WEIGHT) for our location at USDA ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock & Range Research Laboratory (FKL&RRL), 243 Fort Keogh Road, Miles City, MT 59301.

The Government intends to issue a Firm-Fixed Price Order on May 21, 2018 for this requirement and Award will be made to the responsive & compliant Quote** that is the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable. However, in the best interest of the Government, the Government reserves the right to award to a firm other than that offering the lowest price.

**Vendor must be registered & active in SAM.gov.

The Vendor shall submit a quote & provide the following:

1. Photos of bales inside and out, if they are 200 miles or further for USDA to come view;

2. Any test results or information about their hay; and,

3. Fair & reasonable pricing for CLIN 0001 - PURCHASE OF 250 TONS OF 2017 QUALITY, 100% ALFALFA OR 100% GRASS OR ALFALFA/GRASS MIX HAY/FEED ROUND BALES

* Square bales are not acceptable
* 1200-1600lbs max weight
* Prefer no weeds, no rain, and put up right with all leaves in the bale
* No dust or mold, put up green in 2017 hay does not have to be barn-stored, normal weathering is acceptable
* Doesn't matter if hay is twine or net wrapped

Period of Performance: 12 days after receipt of the Award or ASAP.

Please submit all questions in WRITING via email to Washingtoni.NLN@ars.usda.gov. No telephone inquiries will be accepted.

A completed & responsive** Quote must be submitted by email it to: Washingtoni.NLN@ars.usda.gov no later than MAY 21, 2018 8:30AM PST OR SOONER.