SOURCES SOUGHT - Soil Sample Analysis

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Sources Sought Capability Survey for Soil Sample Analysis in Columbia, MO. It is intended to gather information from potential vendors regarding their capabilities and experience related to specific soil sample analytical methods. Vendors are instructed to complete the yellow fillable fields.

• Business Entity Name and SAM.gov UEI.
• Confirmation of at least two years of historical commercial competency in specific soil sample analytical methods.
• Confirmation of holding a relevant quality certification/accreditation (e.g., NAPT, ALTA).
• Confirmation of capability to process approximately 10,000 soil samples in a two-year period.
• Confirmation of capability to perform a detailed list of specific soil properties and methods (Sections 9.2.1 through 9.2.20), including simplified particle size, ACE total protein, active carbon, aggregate stability, potentially mineralizable nitrogen, total nitrogen and carbon, inorganic carbon, organic carbon, soil respiration, electrical conductivity, pH, cation exchange capacity, organic matter by LOI, Bray-1 P, Mehlich-III P, Olsen P, and Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR).

This survey is crucial for potential bidders to indicate their qualifications and capacity to perform the soil sample analysis services described in Attachment 1 (Performance Work Statement QASP). The responses will help the government determine the acquisition strategy for this requirement.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the requirements for the analysis of approximately 10,000 on-farm soil samples for the USDA's Soil Health Assessment Protocol and Evaluation (SHAPE) initiative. The goal is to build a national soil health database to help farmers optimize productivity and profitability.

• The Prime Contractor will analyze on-farm soil samples using approved laboratory methods.

• The contractor is responsible for furnishing personnel, materials, equipment, shipping, and facilities.

• This is a firm-fixed-price, performance-based requirement.

• The contract will have a base period of 12 months and one 12-month option period.

• The place of performance is determined by the Prime Contractor.

• Airdried and pre-sterilized soil samples.

• Reference samples and batch duplications for quality control.

• The contractor's laboratory must demonstrate commercial competency in analytical methods (2+ years).

• The laboratory must hold a quality certification/accreditation (e.g., NAPT, ALTA).

• The contractor is responsible for arranging sample shipments and coordinating with the Government Technical Monitor.

• Samples are packaged by USDA (approx. 50 per box, 60 lbs each).

• Analytical methods cannot be substituted without a contract modification.

• Sample intake and processing must be consistent.

• Analysis results are due within 90 days of sample delivery.

• A Certificate of Conformance must be provided with all analysis results.

• Includes analysis for particle size, total protein, active carbon, aggregate stability, nitrogen, carbon, inorganic carbon, organic carbon, soil respiration, electrical conductivity, pH, cation exchange capacity, organic matter, and various phosphorus and SAR measurements.

• A Prime Contractor Representative must be designated as the central point of contact.

• Trained laboratory technicians must perform analytical procedures.

• Compliance with USDA data sharing requirements and the Geospatial Data Act.

• Landowner Personally Identifiable Information (PII) will not be shared.

• FAR 52.224-3 Privacy Training applies.

• A Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) will be established to evaluate contractor performance against established standards and quality levels.