The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cotton Programs has a need for polypropylene sewn bale bags for flat cotton bales, 70 inches x 100 inches, or for spiral sewn burlap bale bags for flat cotton bales, 70 inches x 100 inches. Bid samples will be required. This procurement will be awarded as a firm fixed price contract, FOB Destination. All items shall meet the specifications and standards for bale bags as stated in the Specifications for Cotton Bale Packaging Materials, dated July 2001, published by the Joint Cotton Industry Bale Packaging Committee (JCIBPC). The JCIBPC was formed in 1968 at the suggestion of the National Cotton Council of America and the American Textile Manufacturers Institute. The Cotton Division intends to procure a total of 19,350 bale bags and offers are requested for either polypropylene or burlap bags. Deliveries shall begin July 1, 2002. There are 12 shipping locations. This effort is advertised as a small business set aside under NAICS 314911. Small business size standard: Not to exceed 500 employees. It is anticipated that the formal solicitation, Request for Proposal (RFP) 054-M-APHIS-02, will be released on or about May 29, 2002 and will be posted on the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) web site at the following Internet address: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/mpls/contracts/cbd.html The Government intends to provide the solicitation and any amendment(s) only through this web site. NOTIFICATIONS WILL NOT BE SENT REGARDING THE ISSUANCE OF ANY AMENDMENT(S). IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF POTENTIAL OFFERORS AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES TO CHECK THE WEB SITE PERIODICALLY FOR UPDATES. A HARD (PRINTED) COPY OF THE SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE PROVIDED. Any questions or inquiries must be mailed or faxed to the Contracting Office, to the attention of the point of contact listed in this notice. Telephone requests will not be honored.