H--GRAIN INSPECTION AND WEIGHING SERVICES

THE PURPOSE OF THIS AMENDMENT IS TO POST THE ATTACHED SOLICITATION WITH A RESPONSE DUE DATE OF COB 9/19/2006.**************************************************************************************************************************The USDA, Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS), intends to procure, when requested, qualified personnel (grain samplers, technicians and weighers) to supplement its workforce by assisting in providing mandatory export inspection and weighing services of waterborne carriers at export port locations serviced by FGIS?s Corpus Christi, TX suboffice. The sampling service includes sampling grain-lots using FGIS approved methods to obtain representative samples for analysis to determine quality based on grade, official factors, or official criteria or any combination of these according to the regulations, Official U.S. Standards for Grain, and instructions. The weighing service includes the monitoring of loading and weighing of grain-lots by grain facility weighing personnel to determine the quantity of grain-lots inspected. Unless automated methods are in place, the contractor must monitor weighing activities of the grain facilities? personnel and verifies control board settings, digital weight displays, and printer operation and output. Stowage examination services includes examining carriers to determine if stowage areas are clean, dry, and free of infestation, rodents, toxic substance, and foreign odor; and suitable to store or carry bulk or sacked grain or other commodities. The USDA intends to award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) commercial contract(s) for this effort at Firm-fixed price labor hour rates. Task orders will be issued under awarded contract(s) for specific requirements on an as needed basis. The contract(s) will include a one-year base period with a one-year unilateral option period. This will be a best value procurement. It is anticipated that the formal solicitation, Request for Proposal (RFP) AG-6395-S-06-0035, will be released on or about September 1, 2006 and posted on this FEDBIZOPPS website. Please download the RFP from this website. All responsible offerors may submit an offer After release, one may download a copy of the solicitation at this site. NOTIFICATIONS WILL NOT BE SENT TO OFFERER?S REGARDING THE ISSUANCE OF THE SOLICITATION NOR ANY OF ITS AMENDMENTS. IT IS THE OFFERER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THIS WEB SITE. Any questions or inquiries must be mailed, e-mailed or faxed to the Contracting Office, to the attention of the point of contact listed in this notice. Point of contact: Larry Nelson, Contracting Officer, (612) 336-3225, FAX: (612) 370-2106, E-mail: [email protected]