H-- Quality Control, Testing & Inspection Services

The USDA, Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS), intends to procure assistance in conducting a survey to determine a baseline quality of soybeans for the 2007 crop year. The sample collection will represent a cross-section of soybeans grown in the U.S. at the beginning of the value chain, also known as the first point of sale or Farm Gate. FGIS will arrange for the samples to be sent to the contractor for grading. The contractor must grade soybean samples submitted by FGIS through grain elevators participating in the survey. The contractor will receive a minimum of 975 samples throughout the soybean harvest season, but not more than 1,630 samples. Grading of the samples must be done according to the Official Procedures as described in Book II, Chapter 10, Soybeans, of the Grain Inspection Handbook, and the procedures outlined in the Statement of Work. The tasks included in this procurement includes: A. Analyze the soybean samples for all grading factors and special grates according to the Official U.S. Standards for Soybeans; B. Maintain the FIGS mailing label received with the soybean sample throughout the grading process and attach it to the complete pan ticket. C. Record the results according to instructions, regulations and the Official U.S. Standards for Soybeans; D. Forward the data electronically to FIGS. The USDA intends to award a firm-fixed price per sample non-commercial Requirements Contract for this effort. The contract will include a one year base period with four one year unilateral option periods. This will be a best value procurement. It is anticipated that the formal solicitation Request for Proposal, 07-97808, will be released on or about May 1, 2007, and posted on this website, FEDBIZOPPS. Please download the RFP from this website. This procurement will be a total small business set-aside; therefore all responsible small businesses may submit an offer. The NAICS code is 541990 with a size standard of $6.5 million. After release, one may download a copy of the solicitation at this site. NOTIFICATIONS WILL NOT BE SENT TO OFFERERS REGARDING THE ISSUANCE OF THE SOLICITATION NOR ANY OF ITS AMENDMENTS. IT IS THE OFFERERS RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THIS WEBSITE. Any questions or inquiries must be e-mailed or faxed to the Contracting Office, to the attention of the point of contact listed in this notice. Point of contract: Joanne Mann, Contracting Officer, (612) 336-3224, fax (612) 370 2136; e-mail: [email protected]