Grazing Cattle for Wiregrass Research and Extension Center

Auburn University's Procurement and Business Services is seeking sealed bids for a cattle grazing contract at the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center located in Headland, Alabama. The procurement is specifically requesting 50 head of crossbred, gentle, large-framed stocker steers weighing between 450-525 pounds, to be delivered between January 6-9, 2025, for fall and winter grazing trials lasting approximately 150 days. Key requirements include cattle that are crossbred, not exceeding one-eighth Brahman, #1 grade, and assembled from as few ranches as possible, with a preference for avoiding sale yard animals to ensure uniformity. Bidders must pre-condition the cattle for 25-30 days, complete routine vaccinations, and ensure steers are castrated and dehorned before delivery. The bid (Bid Number AU-2025-0000841) is open from November 5, 2024, at 12:00 AM CST to November 20, 2024, at 10:30 AM CST, with bids to be submitted through the JAGGAER Sourcing Event Portal. Evaluation will be based on the price per pound that bidders will pay to Auburn University for grazing cattle, with the successful bidder responsible for death losses up to 2% of total weight.

The contract is structured for one year with the option of four additional annual renewals, contingent upon acceptable service and mutually agreeable annual contract pricing. No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types are explicitly mentioned in the documentation. Bidders are required to submit a completed and notarized vendor disclosure statement and, if applicable, provide an E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding. The compensation structure involves the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center compensating the bidder for cattle gains over 100 pounds average per head, using certified truck scale weights. The stocking rate will be 2.0 head per acre on cool-season annual grass mixtures, with supplemental feed provided only when forage is limited. While no specific budget range is provided, the contract's value will be determined by the per-pound pricing and weight gains of the cattle. The university reserves the right to award the contract in whole or part and emphasizes compliance with state regulations, including Alabama sales tax requirements and federal immigration laws.