Independent Contractor

Title: The Independent Contractor will provide Consultation Services for the CERCA (Circular Economy that Reimagines Corn Agriculture) project. The primary focus of these services will be the CERCA Phosphorus (P) project.

NAICS 541690 –  Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

PSC – R699 – Support, Administrative Other

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items/services prepared in accordance with the format in subpart  12.6, utilizing FAR part 13 procedures, 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.

                (ii) The solicitation number is 12305B24Q0147 and this combined synopsis/solicitation is issued as a request for quote (RFQ).

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

                (iv) This is a total 100% small business set-aside and the associated NAICS code is 541690 and small business size standard is $19M.

                (v) USDA/ARS/NEA/BARC requires procurement of a Consultation Services via an Independent Contractor, see Statement of Work (Attachment 1).

                (vi) Place of service and acceptance:

NEA ROBERT W. HOLLEY CTR FOR AGRICU

538 TOWER ROAD

ITHACA NY 14853

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

                (viii) Provision 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services applies to this acquisition.

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

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.

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

1. Submit documentation showing technical capability to meet or exceed Performance Elements and Benchmarks in the Statement of Work.
2. 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.
3. Submit SAM Unique Entity ID (UEI) with quotation.

(0 b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

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.

                (ix) 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.

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

                (xi) 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. Additional clauses included as attachment: Contract Terms and Conditions (Attachment 2)

                (xii) Quoted prices must include all applicable costs.

                (xii) Quotes are due on 09/12/2024 at 2:00 PM EST by email to Rebecca Lumpkin at rebecca.lumpkin@usda.gov (Must include the Notice ID in the Subject Line)

                (xiv) Rebecca Lumpkin may be reached at rebecca.lumpkin@usda.gov for specific questions regarding this combined solicitation. Questions by interested parties regarding the requirement must be submitted by 09/10/2024 by 2:00 PM EST.