PLANTING SEED CORN ON USDA FIELDS
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), is seeking proposals for planting seed corn to be harvested for feeding research animals at the National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, Iowa. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ), with an anticipated Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order. Quotes are due by April 3, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will be responsible for planting seed corn in designated fields at the NADC. Key requirements include supplying all necessary equipment and supplies, such as a tractor, planter, fuel, and labor. Specific planting parameters are a 30-inch row width, a consistent population of 35,000 seeds per acre, and a planting depth of 2 inches. The contractor must ensure consistent seed-to-soil contact, adjusting down pressure based on soil conditions. The NADC will supply the seed corn. Contractors and any sub-contractors must provide documented evidence of previous direct experience in similar services and equipment capability.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ)
- Award Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order
- Period of Performance: April 15, 2026, to May 15, 2026. Planting must commence within 4 business days of request.
- Place of Performance: 1920 Dayton Ave, Ames, IA 50010.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 115112 (Farm Management Services)
- Small Business Size Standard: $9.5 Million
- Published Date: March 27, 2026
- Questions Due: March 31, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Quotes Due: April 3, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
Submission & Evaluation
Offerors must hold prices firm for 30 calendar days from the quote due date. Questions should be submitted via email to katelyn.nelson@usda.gov by the deadline. Quotes must be submitted via email to katelyn.nelson@usda.gov with the subject line "Quote for 1232SA26Q0378". Evaluation will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria, considering technical acceptability, delivery capabilities, price, and past performance.
Additional Notes
Technical data, including the Scope of Work, is available in Attachment 2 of the solicitation package. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses and provisions are incorporated. Invoices must be submitted electronically through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).