15 Holstein or Holstein Cross Calves
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The USDA-ARS Mid-West Area National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa, is soliciting quotations for the purchase of 15 Holstein or Holstein/Cross Calves for research purposes. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). While the government is aware of only one potential source, all responses from responsible vendors with active SAM registrations will be accepted and considered. Quotations are due by March 13, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for 15 Holstein or Holstein/cross calves to support research evaluating nasopharyngeal colonization of Mannheimia haemolytica and its mutants in cattle, aiming to understand bovine respiratory disease and explore antibiotic alternatives. Key requirements for the calves include:
- Health Status: BVD-negative (antibody and antigen), Mycoplasma bovis negative, colostrum deprived, dewormed, free of ring-worm, and demonstrating no signs of clinical illness.
- Dietary: No milk replacer for the first 48 hours.
- Housing: Must have been housed individually.
- Physical: Sound of foot and body, with sound legs and good eyes.
- Age: 7-8 weeks old.
- Origin: Sourced from a farm within 100 miles of Ames, Iowa.
- Delivery: Transported directly to the National Animal Disease Center (NADC) at 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA 50010, with no other animals in the trailer. Delivery is required by May 15, 2026, with early deliveries accepted.
- Documentation: A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required. Pre-purchase blood work may be requested.
- Quantity Assurance: Vendors may need to obtain more than 15 animals to ensure 15 meet all specifications.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order.
- Set-Aside: This is an unrestricted acquisition; it is not set-aside for small business concerns.
- Solicitation Number: 1232SA26Q0035.
- Questions Due: March 5, 2026, 5:00 PM CST, via email to kerrie.hodges@usda.gov.
- Quotations Due: March 13, 2026, 10:00 PM EST (22:00:00Z).
- Delivery Deadline: May 15, 2026.
Evaluation
Quotes will be evaluated on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable basis. Technical capability will be assessed as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on meeting salient characteristics, identification of products meeting requirements, inclusion of descriptive literature, and availability for delivery within the specified timeframe. Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days.
Additional Notes
The government has identified a potential sole-source provider (Superior Livestock, Inc.) based on market research and past awards, but explicitly states that all responses from responsible vendors with active SAM registrations will be accepted and considered for award. Offerors must meet qualification requirements via SAM.gov registration.