87 -- Agar Powdered USP NF IN IAW

The USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspections Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), PBWRF Phoenix AZ intends to procure 16,000 LBS. of Agar Powered, USP,NF IN IAW (NAICS CODE) 311999. Delivery shall be FOB destination: Phoenix AZ, arriving by April 01, 2004. This is a firm fixed price contract. Simplified procurement procedures will be used as well as commercial item acquisition regulations per FAR 12. 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. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a WRITTEN SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE ISSUED. This solicitation document incorporates provisions and clauses which are in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 01-18. Applicable FAR clauses are incorporated by reference: Prompt Payment 52.249-1 (4/84); Changes -- Fixed price 52.243-1 (8/87); Notice of Price Evaluation Adjustment for Small Disadvantaged Business Concern 52.219-23 (05/01); Notice of price Evaluations preference for HUB Zone Small Business Concern 52.219-4; Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items 52.212-1; Evaluation-Commercial items 52.212-2 (10/97); offeror Representations and Certifications 52.212-3 (10/98); Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items 52.212-4 (4/98); Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items 52.212-5(10/98); Buy American Act -- North American Free Trade Agreement -- Israeli Trade Act -- Balance of Payments Program 52.225-3 (02/00); Award will be made to the offeror that can make the required delivery date at the lowest reasonable price to the government. Proposals are due by January 30, 2004 10:00 AM local time. All responsible small business's may submit a quote for consideration. Proposals may be faxed to 612-370-2136 with signed original forwarded by mail to: USDA APHIS Purchasing, Butler Square 5th floor, 100 North Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Referenced FAR clauses can be accessed for review on the Internet at the following web site: http://www.arnet.gov/far. All offers must be signed. EFFECTIVE October 1, 2003, The Federal Acquistion Regulation (FAR) System requires that contractors be registered in the central Contractors Registration (CCR) System before they can be awarded contracts. Offers should include tax payer identification number, DUNS number and CAGE code. Failure to provide this information will result in vendor not being considered for award. You can register in the CCR at http://www.ccr.gov.TAX NUMBER:_________________________, DUNNS NUMBER:___________________ CAGE CODE:______________BUSINESS SIZE_______________