Mini Swine Caging: Base purchase of 16 cages plus one (1) option for an additional 16 cages

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation RFQ 75F40126Q132404 for Mini Swine Caging.

• Cage Specifications: The government cannot compromise on specifications. New cages must interlock with each other and will be placed in a separate housing room. Only the design laid out in the solicitation is being considered.
• Piglet Panel: The piglet panel attaches diagonally to provide more room for the dam and a smaller triangular area for piglets. There is no minimum area requirement for the piglet area, as long as the panel and cage meet solicitation specifications.
• Panel Placement: The piglet panel can slide in from outside the pen or be placed from within. The 25lb weight limit for the panel is noted due to the difficulty of placing heavier panels in current cages.
• Heat Source: A method to hang or clip a heat lamp for piglets is required.
• Delivery Timeline: The lead time of 120 days after contract award is firm and does not change to "After Design/Drawing Approvals." All information must be submitted with the quote for evaluation.
• Room Dimensions: The rooms are 25 feet long by 12.5 feet wide, with doors in the middle of the shorter walls. The current cages are 6'x4', and 8 could fit if needed.
• Cage Dimensions: The listed cage dimensions (53.5" x 78.5") are set and required to fit the room and provide adequate space per USDA regulations.
• Personnel Door Height: The personnel door height should match the full height of the cage walls to allow personnel to walk into the cage.
• Waste Pans/Wire Panel: Removable waste pans under the cage floor and a wire panel under the front wall to prevent piglet escape are not required.

The due date for quotes has been extended to Monday, February 9, 2026, at 2 pm Central Time. No further questions will be entertained after 09:00 am Central time on 01/27/2026.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the RFQ 75F40126Q132404 for Mini Swine Caging.

• Cage Specifications: The solicitation's specified design is the only one being considered. Compromises on specifications are not allowed, but new cages do not need to match existing site caging, though they must interlock with each other.
• Piglet Panel Installation: The piglet panel attaches diagonally to create a triangular space for the piglets, which is preferred over a square space. The panel can be installed from inside or outside the pen, with the 25lb weight limit for the panel being a key consideration.
• Heat Source: A method to hang or clip a heat lamp for piglets is required.
• Delivery Timeline: The 120-day lead time is from the contract award date, not after design approvals, as all information must be submitted with the quote for evaluation.
• Room Layout: Rooms are 25 ft long x 12.5 ft wide, with doors on shorter walls. Up to 8 current 6'x4' cages can fit in a room.
• Cage Dimensions: Cage dimensions are fixed to meet space calculations based on pig weight and USDA regulations.
• Piglet Panel Ceiling: No ceiling is required for the piglet panel; it needs to be vertical.

The due date for quotes has been extended to Monday, February 9, 2026, at 2 PM Central Time.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items (RFQ) to procure mini swine housing pens for the US FDA, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR). The pens are needed for toxicology and behavioral pharmacology studies and must be configured for safe socialization of mini swine between multiple pens, with a removable area for piglet warming during farrowing. The acquisition includes a base purchase of 16 pens and an option for an additional 16 pens.

• Quantity: Base of 16 pens, with an option for 16 additional pens.

• Configuration: Pens must be collapsible for transport and sanitization, lockable for socialization, and constructed of 304 stainless steel with smoothed surfaces.

• Dimensions: Internal dimensions of at least 4 ft x 6 ft with 5 ft tall walls. External dimensions not to exceed 53.5" x 78.5".

• Flooring: GREY pultruded fiberglass grating T-bar with a bonded grit anti-skid surface.

• Features: Full height "personnel door" and a guillotine door on the front, automatic watering lixits, removable panels for piglet area with heat source attachment.

• Delivery: Within 120 days of contract award for the base quantity, and within 120 days of order for the option quantity.

• Installation & Training: Cages to be delivered and installed at NCTR, Bldg 62, with onsite training provided.

• Warranty: Minimum 12-month warranty.

• Contract Type: Commercial Product - Firm fixed price.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but option is exercisable within 365 days of award.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Response Date: February 4, 2026, 09:00 AM Central Time.

• Submission: Quotes are requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Reference solicitation number 75F40126Q132404. Submit quotes via email to Suzanne Martella.

• Evaluation: Lowest priced technically acceptable (LPTA) responsible quoter/offeror. Technical acceptability will be determined by submitted information demonstrating the quoted products meet or exceed requirements.

• Set-Aside: Total small business set aside for NAICS code 332322 (Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing).

• Size Standard: 500 employees.

• The Buy American Act and Executive Order 14005 apply.

• Offerors must comply with Section 508 accessibility standards for electronic and information technology.

• Submissions must not contain macros. Proprietary and/or confidential information must be clearly marked.