This announcement constitutes a Sources Sought Synopsis (Bulk Fertilizer). This is not a Request for Quote (RFQ) or a Request for Proposal (RFP). This announcement is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the government, implied or otherwise, to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The Department of Veteran Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, is seeking qualified sources to furnish all labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide delivery of bulk fertilizer to the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55450. The term of the contract shall be from date of award through September 30, 2012 with four (4) option years if exercised. Mechanical Specifications: The fertilizer shall only be delivered in the equipment identified below to qualify vendor as the supplier of Bulk Fertilizer for delivery at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis Minnesota: A Minnesota Department of Transportation certified tender truck shall deliver all fertilizer Minimum Specification Standards for Tender: Tandem axle tender with a minimum distance of 150 inches between cab and trunnion. Especially Engineered Hydraulic driven fertilizer tender with side discharge. Minimum Hopper capacity of 516 cubic feet. Minimum discharge capacity of 3400 lbs per minute. Minimum Specification standard for spreader: Spreader shall possess an orchard deflector for proper applications widths. Maximum axle/wheel width shall not exceed seventy-two inches. Spreader gross weight shall not exceed 7000 lbs. Spreader shall have a custom fit tarpaulin for application security. All equipment shall remain on the grounds of Fort Snelling National Cemetery as determined by the C.O.R. or the Office of the Director. The fertilizer will be applied by government personnel at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. The contractor shall be required to remove the equipment from the cemetery grounds once notified by the C.O.R. Bulk Fertilizer Delivery Schedule: TURF DELIVERY ANNUAL DELIVERY DATE DESCRIPTION #1 TBD (it is essential that the fertilizer is delivered within 2 hrs of telephone call requesting delivery) This spring delivery of bulk fertilizer shall be a granular fertilizer with a 24-00-04 NPK ratio with a minimum 85% slow release SCU (sulfur coated urea). The fertilizer supplied for the spring delivery shall be brand name or equal to Commercially Available off-the-shelf "UMAXX" fertilizer. Fertilizer will be applied to the entire 290 acreage at a rate of 150lbs. of total fertilizer per acre. #2 TBD (it is essential that the fertilizer is delivered within 2 hrs of telephone call requesting delivery) This fall delivery of bulk fertilizer shall be a granular fertilizer with a 25-00-15 NPK ratio with a minimum 85% slow release SCU (sulfur coated urea). Fertilizer will be applied to the entire 290 acreage at a rate of 150lbs. of total fertilizer per acre. Spring Delivery: Spring delivery of bulk fertilizer will be in May. The fertilizer supplied for the spring delivery shall be brand name or equal to Commercially Available off-the-shelf "UMAXX" fertilizer. The Contractor shall deliver approximately 43,500 lbs (the equivalent to 870 - 50# bags) of the bulk fertilizer within (2) hours from the time the cemetery's representative contacts the contractor. Fall Delivery: Fall delivery of bulk fertilizer will be in September. The Contractor shall deliver approximately 43,500 lbs (the equivalent to 870 - 50# bags) of the bulk fertilizer within (2) hours from the time the cemetery's representative contacts the contractor. Prior to the delivery of the bulk fertilizer, the Contractor shall provide to the COTR, a copy of product label for each chemical used and appropriate supporting Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The purpose of this notice is to determine interest and capability of potential qualified Small Businesses with the understanding that Service Disabled Veterans Owned and Veterans Owned Small Businesses take precedence. The North American Industry Classification Code is (NAICS) 325314. To make an appropriate acquisition decision for this requirement, the Government will use responses to this sources sought synopsis. The type of solicitation issued and the manner of advertisement will depend on the responses to this sources sought synopsis. Submission requirements for response to this sources sought synopsis must have the following: 1. Contractor's intent to submit a proposal for this project when it is formally advertised. 2. A copy of the contractor's Central Contract Registration (CCR). Where to send responses: Attn: David Dixon Department of Veteran Affairs National Cemetery Administration Centralized Contracting Division (41C3) 75 Barrett Heights Road, Suite 309 Stafford, VA 22556
[email protected] Emailed responses will be accepted. Response Deadline: April 6, 2012, 12:00 p.m.