Soil Sensor Equipped to Measure Apparent Electrical Conductivity

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial item prepared in accordance with the format in FAR subpart 12.6, 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. The solicitation number is 12805B25Q0074 and is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). This solicitation document incorporates those provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-03. The associated NAICS Code is 334519 and the Small Business Size Standard is 600 employees. This solicitation is Full and Open with no set aside.

The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Lubbock, TX requires Soil Sensor Equipped to Measure Apparent Electrical Conductivity (Brand Name or Equal). The Government intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order.

The requirements are further detail in the attached Requirements Document.

The DELIVERY ADDRESS is:

USDA-ARS

3810 4th ST

Lubbock, TX 79415

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED IN QUOTE:  In order to be considered for award, Offerors shall respond by:

1. 1. Transmittal Summary Letter. A summary cover letter to the submission should provide at a minimum the following (i) Identification of the Point of Contact, current phone number, and email address. (ii) SamUEI Number, CAGE Code, Tax Identification Number (iii) A list of the submission package contents.
   2. Fully Completed and Signed SF18. Original fully completed and signed SF 18 Offer page, and acknowledgement of all amendment(s) (if applicable). On the SF18 offers shall complete blocks 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, 14, 15, 16a, 16b, and 16c. On the SF30 amendment(s) (if applicable) offers shall complete blocks 15a, 15b, and 15c. Failure to acknowledge all amendments will result in the offer to be found Non-Responsive and not eligible for award.
   3. Contractor Quote pricing document. Document shall provide detailed pricing breakout in accordance with the CLIN structure and items requested.
   4. Attachment 01 – Minimum Specifications. Contractor shall read and comply with all specifications, and it shall be submitted with the offer.
   5. Acknowledgement of Evaluation Method – Offerors shall submit documentation stating an understanding that this procurement may not necessarily awarded to the lowest priced offeror, based on the fact that all requirements must be meet. Offerors shall confirm an understanding of the evaluation criteria as identified in FAR 52.212- Evaluation – Commercial Items (Addendum). For example, if two firms have similar offers then the determining factor would be price. For example, the lowest price does not meet requirements they will not be considered, and the next lowest price offer will be reviewed without discussion.
   6. Authorized Vender or Manufacturer verification. Provide verification document as an authorized vendor on company letterhead. No third party or pass-through offers will be accepted.
   7. Offerors proposing to furnish an “equal” product, in accordance with the “Brand Name or Equal” provision of this solicitation, shall provide the following information for each offered “equal” product:

a. Contract Line Item Number (if any):

b. Brand Name or Equal Product identified by the Government in this solicitation:

c. Offered Product Name:

d. Catalog Description or part number:

e. Manufacturer's Name:

f. Manufacturer's Address:

Offerors shall submit any and all additional information on the above “equal” product necessary for the Contracting Officer to determine whether the product offered meets the “brand name or equal” product's salient characteristics listed in the solicitation.

FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-2, 52.212-3, 52.212-4 and 52.212-5 (and any addenda to those clauses) are included in the attached clauses and provisions document.  Additionally, other contract requirements and terms/conditions can be located in the same document.

The Government anticipates award of a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose quote conforms to the specifications that will be the most advantageous to the Government in accordance with FAR 13.106-2 considering three major areas: technical acceptance, past performance and price. Quotes will be evaluated by performing a comparative evaluation in
accordance with FAR 13.106-2(b)(3) to determine which quote meets the lowest price technically acceptable evaluation methodology.

All sources wishing to quote shall furnish a quotation by 2 p.m. Central Time, on or before March 27, 2025. Quotations are to be sent via email to Laura Nessa at laura.nessa@usda.gov

Notice to Offeror(s): The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation, either before or after the closing date. In the event the Government cancels this solicitation, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs incurred.

Failure to provide the required information in the requested format may result in quotes not being considered for award.

Attached Provisions/Clauses apply to this RFQ and any subsequent award.