Fertilizer, dry, bulk for the Whitmore farm at the USDA, ARS in Groveland, FL (1165263)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial items, prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. It is a small business set-aside for the procurement of dry, bulk fertilizer. The government intends to award a single Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract.

• Item: 20 Tons of Fertilizer, dry, bulk.

• Delivery: FOB Destination by March 13, 2026.

• Technical: Products must meet or exceed all salient characteristics detailed in "Attachment 2 - Specifications." Offerors proposing "or equal" items must include descriptive literature (illustrations, drawings, or clear references) demonstrating compliance.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

• Clauses: Incorporates FAR and AGAR provisions and clauses by reference, accessible at www.acquisition.gov. Notable clauses include 52.217-6 (Option for Increased Quantity, allowing a 5% increase/decrease for dry bulk fertilizer) and AGAR 452.222-71 (Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Compliance).

• Submission Requirements:

  • Firm Fixed Price quotation on company letterhead, detailing item description, place of manufacture, total price, and valid for at least 60 days.
  • Sam.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI).
  • Place of Manufacture for items.

• Submission Deadline: Quotes are due by email to Shelley Steen (shelley.steen@usda.gov) by February 28, 2026, 3:00 p.m. (EST).

• Questions Deadline: Questions must be submitted by February 26, 2026, to Shelley.Steen@usda.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

  • Price: Evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.
  • Technical Acceptability: Product must meet/exceed salient characteristics, be clearly identified, include sufficient descriptive literature, and be available for timely delivery. Failure to provide adequate documentation or meet requirements will result in unacceptability.
  • Past Performance: Evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable based on references, USDA history, and CPARS.
  • Only the lowest-priced offer will be evaluated for technical acceptability and past performance; if unacceptable, the next lowest will be considered.

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• Applicable NAICS Code and small business size standard are mentioned but not specified in this document.

• "Attachment 2 - Specifications" contains the detailed technical requirements.

• The USDA Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests is available for dispute resolution, offering both informal and formal protest options.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides detailed specifications for dry bulk fertilizer required for the opportunity. Bidders should review these specifications to ensure their proposed product meets all requirements.

• Product: Dry Bulk fertilizer 12-3-14 2 Mg
• Quantity: 20 tons
• Unit Type: Ton
• Minimum Requirements:
  • 50% of N and K must be 90-day slow-release material.
  • Delivery via a 20-ton, 4-hopper fertilizer dump trailer.
• Detailed Formula: Includes primary nutrients (N, P2O5, K2O) and secondary & micronutrients (Ca, Mg, S, B, Cl, Fe, Mn, Zn).
• Derived From: Lists the materials used in the fertilizer blend.
• Materials Breakdown: Provides specific material names and their corresponding weights in pounds.

This attachment is critical for bidders to understand the exact chemical composition, release characteristics, and physical delivery requirements for the fertilizer. Proposals must align with these specifications. Failure to meet these detailed requirements may result in disqualification. The delivery location and schedule are also specified.