Laboratory Animal Feed - Base+4 IDIQ - Ames IA

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) is soliciting quotations for laboratory animal feed through Request for Quotation (RFQ) 1232SA26Q0292, a combined synopsis and solicitation for commercial items issued under FAR Part 12. The procurement includes four types of specialized feed products: soy protein-free feed for mice, rats, and hamsters; high-fiber feed for rabbits; high-fiber feed for guinea pigs; and irradiated extruded rodent diet, all meeting strict nutritional and quality specifications. Key contract requirements mandate delivery of fresh, clean, high-quality feed within five working days of order placement, with all shipments made in clean vehicles to the facility at 1920 Dayton Avenue in Ames, Iowa during specified business hours. Award will be made using lowest price technically acceptable criteria, with technical acceptability determined by completion of the required Schedule and Transmittal Summary form without narrative documentation. The solicitation deadline was originally March 12, 2026, but was extended 24 hours on March 11, 2026, making the final due date March 13, 2026; inquiries must be submitted to the contracting officer no later than 48 hours prior to solicitation close.

This procurement carries no set-aside designation and does not identify any current contractor or incumbent. The contract will be awarded as a firm-fixed-price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement consisting of a one-year base period beginning March 20, 2026, followed by four one-year option periods extending through March 19, 2031, with specific minimum and maximum ordering quantities established for each feed product. No advance payment is permitted; invoicing must be submitted electronically through the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform with payment made in arrears. Quotations must include all costs on a firm fixed price, F.O.B. destination basis with shipping included, and must remain valid for a minimum of 30 days from solicitation close. The place of performance is the USDA National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa, where deliveries are restricted to weekday hours between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. CST, excluding federal holidays.