51 head of cattle (calves)
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-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, TX, is soliciting quotes for 51 head of cattle (calves). This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS Code 112111 ($2.5M size standard). The Government intends to make one award based on a best value determination considering price and technical capability. Quotes are due May 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for 51 calves with specific technical requirements:
- Quantity: 51 Head
- Weight: 400–500 lbs per animal
- Age: 6–24 months
- Sex: Steers and/or Heifers (no bull calves)
- Breed Priority: Primary: Hereford; Secondary: Black Angus or Charolais (if Hereford is insufficient). Prohibited: Brahman, Brahman cross, or Brahman influence.
- Health & Biosecurity: Animals must be healthy, free of disease, and without prior exposure to cattle fever ticks.
- Sourcing & Host Facility: Animals must be sourced from a farm within a 60-mile radius of Kerrville, TX. The host facility for inspection, purchase, and loading must also be within this radius and equipped with professional-grade sorting pens and loading chutes.
- Transportation: The Government will transport animals from the host facility to the USDA-ARS lab.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Request for Quotation (RFQ) - Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 112111 (Cattle Ranching and Farming) with a $2.5M size standard
- Award Type: Single award to one contractor
- Questions Due: May 4, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
- Quotes Due: May 6, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published Date: April 29, 2026
Evaluation and Basis for Award
Quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on Price (market report) and Technical Capability. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government. The Government reserves the right to select a quote with a superior technical solution, even if it is not the lowest priced.
Submission Requirements
Quotes must be submitted on company letterhead and include:
- Vendor Details: SAM.gov UEI Number.
- Technical Documentation: Descriptive material and a "meets/does not meet" statement for all minimum specifications, plus the physical address of the Host Facility.
- Pricing: A copy of the most recent, verifiable Market Report (e.g., Weekly Livestock Auction Report) for the proposed Host Facility, which will serve as the basis for price evaluation.
- Validity: Quote must be valid for at least 60 days.
Additional Notes
All email correspondence must include the solicitation number (1232SA26Q0543) in the subject line. Questions and quotes should be sent to Richard Hawthorne at richard.hawthorne@usda.gov.