(i) This is a combined synopsis /solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. FAR part 13.5 authorizes the use of simplified procedures for this acquisition, including options. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a separate written request for quotation will not be issued. This combined synopsis/solicitation will result in a indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ), firm fixed price contract with a base year and four options. (ii) The reference number is AG-6395-S-08-0024 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quote (RFQ). (iii) The provisions and clauses incorporated into this solicitation document are those in effect at the time of publication. Provisions and clauses incorporated by reference have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. The full text of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Agriculture Federal Acquisition Regulations supplement (AGARs) can be accessed on the internet at http://www.arnet.gov/far and http://www.usda.gov/procurement /policy/agar.html. (iv) It is anticipated that a single award will be made but multiple awards will be considered. This is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside. The associated NAICS code for this effort is 326199 and small business size standard is 500 employees. (v) REQUIREMEMTS AND QUANTITIES : This requirement consists of 1(ONE) line item: Line Item 0001 - Aramid Fiber Honeycomb ? base year and up to 4 one year option years. Price shall include delivery to USDA, APHIS, PPQ, PBWRF,2645 East Chimpan Road, Phoenix, AZ 85040. A list of contract line items (Price Schedule), including options, is provided as Attachment 2 to this combined synopsis/solicitation. (vi) The Product Specifications for this requirement is provided as Attachment 3 to this combined synopsis/solicitation. (vii) Delivery and acceptance of deliverables will be FOB destination. Delivery requirements for all line items will be stated on individual delivery orders. (viii) The provisions at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors ? Commercial Items, apply to this solicitation. (ix) The provisions at 52.212-2, Evaluation ? Commercial Items, apply to this solicitation. The Government will award a contract resulting form this solicitation to the responsible firm(s) with the lowest priced technically acceptable (LPTA) quote based on the lowest evaluated price of proposals meeting or exceeding the acceptability standards for noncost factors: technical capability and past performance. In order to allow the Government to determine technical capability, the offeror shall submit 5 (five) units of the Ararmid fiber Honeycomb to USDA, APHIS, PPQ, Attn: Ernie Miller, 3645 East Chipman Road, Phoenix, AZ 85040-2927 as indicated under Section F, and G of the Statement of Work by the time specified below for receipt of offers. The following technical capability factors shall be used to evaluate offers and the offeror?s product must meet each category to be technically acceptable: (1) Packaged in suitable containers that prevent damage to honeycomb sheets when shipped by common carrier, (2) Visual Grade ? all cells are open, (3) Sheet size 0.26 inches (thickness) x 22.5 inches (ribbon direction x 15.50 inches (width) with hexagonal 1/8 (.113 to 1.138) inch cell size, (4) Aramid Fiber Honeycomb is coated or impregnated with a heat resistant phenolic resin, (5) Tolerates washing in a bleach solution after each use. Additional guidance on price and past performance is provided under provision 52.212-1. (x) The provisions at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications ? Commercial Items, applies to this solicitation. The contractor shall either: (1) return a completed copy of this provision with its quote. A copy of the provision may be attained from http://www.arnet.gov/far; or (2) complete the Online Reps and Certs Application (ORCA) at http://bpn.gov and referenced in your quote. (xi) The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions ? Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. Addendum 1 ? additional clauses/provisions, is provided as Attachment 1 to this combined synopsis/solicitation. (xii) The clause 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes Or Executive Orders ? Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following FAR clauses identified as paragraph b of FAR 52.212-5 are considered checked and is applicable to this acquisition. 52-203.6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government, with Alternate 1; 52-219.8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns; 52-222-3, Convict Labor; 52-219.14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Dec 1996) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)); 52-222.19, Child Labor ? Co-operation with Authorities and remedies; 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; 52-222-26, Equal Opportunity; 52.222-35, Affirmative Action for Special Disabled and Vietnam Era Veterans; 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Handicapped Workers; 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era; 52.225-1, Buy American Act?Supplies (June2003)(41 U.S.C. 10a-10d); 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign purchases. 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration; (xiii) To be awarded this contract, the offeror must be registered in the CCR. CCR information may be found at http://www.ccr.gov. The following clauses identified as paragraph b of the clause are considered checked and is applicable to this acquisition. 52.203-3 Gratuities; (xiv) The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) is not applicable to this acquisition. (xv) All questions concerning this RFQ must be submitted in writing and faxed to (612) 370-2136 or emailed to
[email protected]. No telephonic response to this combined synopsis/solicitation will be accepted. Quotations are due at the USDA, APHIS-MRPBS-ASD Contracting Team, Butler Square West, 5th Floor, 100 North 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403 no later than 2:00 pm local time on January 23, 2008. Faxing or emailing quotes is acceptable. (xvi) The assigned Contracting Officer is Gloria Benson. Ms Benson may be reached at
[email protected], (622) 336-3220 or by fax, (612) 370-2136.