Alfalfa Large Square Bales

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), has a requirement feed in Ames, IA 50010. The purpose of this sources sought is to inquire if there are vendors available to provide the above. The NAICS Code is 111940. Solicitation number 2020-SS79 Alfalfa hay must meet the premium grade specifications, as follows: Relative Feed Value Index (RFV) should be greater than 160 and Crude Protein should be greater than 18% on a dry matter basis; Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) should be less than 31% on a dry matter basis; and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) should be less than 40% on a dry matter basis. The hay must be from year 2020 or 2021 crop and meet the specifications listed below. FOR NON-IRRIGATED LAND - Hay should be from second cutting or third cutting, no first cutting. FOR IRRIGATED LAND - Hay should be first cutting or fourth cutting only. The composition of the hay is to be nearly straight alfalfa; however, a small amount of good quality forage grass, not to exceed 10% of the total, will be acceptable if put up at the proper maturity. No grass hay will be accepted, nor hay that has been rained on, is moldy, weathered, and weedy, wet, or shows poor construction. This includes hay that shows signs of storage in direct contact with floor such as dirt, gravel, discoloration, moisture damage, and/or mold. Hay must be dry, leafy, be of good green color and free of insect damage. All hay is to be harvested from fields that are not grazed and should be from fields located on one farm or close proximity . In response to this sources sought please submit information on your company's capabilities to provide this type of product. Please also provide information on whether your company is the manufacturer or a distributor and a small or large business in accordance with the NAICS code listed in this sources sought. The Government acknowledges that responses to this sources sought are not binding offers. The information obtained will assist in our market research and future solicitation processes. The purpose of this sources sought is solely to obtain information and sources for our future requirement. Please send responses to this Sources Sought are by, August 15th, 2020 at 10:00 AM CST