IDIQ for Hay in Ames, IA
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 Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is soliciting quotes for a Multiple-Award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to supply firm-fixed-price commercial hay and straw in Ames, Iowa. This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotes are due April 30, 2026.
Scope of Work
The IDIQ will cover the supply of six specific types of hay and straw:
- Hay – Grass, Round Bale
- Hay – Grass, Small Square Bale
- Hay – Grass, Large Square Bale
- Hay – Alfalfa, Large Square Bale
- Hay – Straw, Small Square Bale
- Hay – Straw, Large Square Bale
Deliverables are F.O.B. destination to USDA, ARS, MWA, NADC, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Building 14, Ames, Iowa 50010. Delivery is required within five business days of Task Order issuance.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Multiple-Award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
- Ordering Period: Five years from the date of award
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 111940, $2.5M size standard)
- Guaranteed Minimum: $2,500.00 per awardee, satisfied by the first Task Order
- Aggregate Program Ceiling: $1,000,000.00 over five years
- Questions Due: April 23, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET
- Quotes Due: April 30, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET
- Published: April 14, 2026
Evaluation
Quotes will be evaluated based on technical capability and price to determine the best value to the Government. Technical evaluation will assess the offeror's documented ability to meet SOW specifications, including hay quality, nutritional parameters, and delivery timelines. Offerors are not required to quote on all six hay types but must clearly identify their capabilities. Price will be evaluated inclusive of transportation charges, and initial pricing must be valid for 60 days. The Government intends to award a sufficient number of IDIQs (typically three or more) to ensure adequate competition and at least two qualified vendors for each item.
Additional Notes
Initial pricing established under this RFQ will be valid for 60 days, after which pricing for individual Task Orders will be competed among IDIQ holders. The primary point of contact is Richard Hawthorne at richard.hawthorne@usda.gov.