Notice of Intent- Calves Through a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Agreement

The United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service Field Research Implementation and Information Delivery Plains Area has issued a Special Notice of Intent to award a sole source purchase order for 428 calves (steers) through a cooperative agreement with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). This notice was posted on December 12, 2024, with a response deadline of December 17, 2024. The procurement is being conducted under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(2), which allows for non-competitive acquisition under specific circumstances. The notice specifically relates to a unique purchase of calves with specific genetic characteristics required for agricultural research purposes. The opportunity is not set aside for any particular type of business and is open to potential alternative sources.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to determine if any alternative sources can provide calves that meet the extremely specific research requirements of the USDA's research center. Potential contractors must submit clear and convincing evidence demonstrating that their proposed solution would be more advantageous to the government than the current sole source arrangement with UNL. Interested sources must provide detailed technical capabilities, pricing information, and evidence of their ability to meet the government's precise needs by the December 17, 2024 deadline. The notice emphasizes that this is not a formal solicitation and no contract will be directly awarded based on responses received. The justification document indicates that the calves must be born on a specific property, have never left the center location, and possess particular genotypic and phenotypic traits, which significantly narrows potential competitor qualifications. The estimated value of the purchase is $657,485.20, with calves priced at $340 per 100 pounds.