Chemical Analysis for Plant and Soil Samples

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for commercial items, specifically requesting chemical analysis services for plant and soil samples. The government is procuring these services to support its research and conservation efforts.

The solicitation details specific analytical tests required, including:

• Soil Sample Analysis of SL1B
• Soil Sample Analysis of NH4-N
• Soil Sample Analysis of Chlorine
• Soil Sample Analysis of TKN
• Soil Sample Analysis of ESCAR
• Plant Sample Analysis of Ash
• Plant Sample Analysis of MICP
• Plant Sample Analysis of ADFA
• Plant Sample Analysis of NDFA
• Plant Sample Analysis of NO3N
• Plant Sample Analysis of Chlorine

Volume discounts for soil and plant samples are also listed.

• The contract type is for commercial items.

• Delivery is FOB Destination.

• The period of performance is not explicitly stated but implies a need for services within 30 days after award.

• This is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Proposal (RFP).

• Offerors are to complete blocks 12, 17, 23, 24, and 30.

• The offer due date is April 20, 2026, at 1600 CT.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5 by reference.

• The acquisition is not specified as set-aside for any small business category.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services) with a size standard of $19 million.

• The issuing office is USDA ARS Acquisition and Property Department in Beltsville, MD.

• Payment will be made by the USDA ARS Acquisition and Property Department.

Solicitation

This document is a solicitation for chemical analysis of plant and soil samples. The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at the Conservation and Production Research Laboratory (CPRL) in Bushland, Texas, requires soil chemical analysis on 256 dried soil samples and plant nutritional analysis on 192 dried and ground plant samples from the 2025 growing season of the Manure Priming Project research study.

• Soil chemical analysis

• Plant nutritional analysis

• Use of the same laboratory and methods as previous samples for research continuity.

• Refer to Attachment 2 – Statement of Work for a complete list of requirements.

• Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price requirements contract.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but samples are from the 2025 growing season.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest price technically acceptable.

• Evaluation Factors: Price, Technical Acceptability, and Past Performance.

• Technical Acceptability: Rated "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on the offeror's ability to meet requirements and understanding of the SOW. Requires a detailed explanation of the approach.

• Past Performance: Evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotes via email to jessica.pacheco@usda.gov.

• Quote Submission Deadline: Questions due by April 14, 2026. Offerors agree to hold prices for 90 calendar days.

• The document indicates a "Noncompetitive Contract Action" and identifies a "Proposed vendor: Servi-Tech Laboratories." However, it also invites other potential sources to submit a quotation.

• Various FAR clauses related to small business concerns, HUBZone, and other set-asides are listed as potentially applicable if checked.

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses by reference. Full text is available upon request or electronically via the provided link.

• Service Contract Labor Standards may apply; wage determinations will be obtained if requested in writing.

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

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) requires soil chemical and plant nutritional analysis for samples collected during the 2025 growing season of the Manure Priming Project research study.

• Analysis of 256 dried, not ground, soil samples for various soil tests.

• Analysis of 192 dried and ground plant samples for various plant nutritional tests.

• Results to be reported separately for soil and plant samples.

• All results must be reported on a dry weight basis.

• Specific analytical methods and references are provided for both soil and plant analyses.

• Results must be reported within 30 days of receiving samples.

• Negative incentives apply for late delivery: 15% reduction for 35-45 days, 30% reduction for over 45 days.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) data reliability indicators are required.

• The analysis is for samples from the 2025 growing season.

• The USDA-ARS location is the Conservation and Production Research Laboratory (CPRL) in Bushland, Texas.

• Required Delivery Date: 30 Days after Award.

• Contractor must provide all required laboratory technicians and ancillary personnel.

• Government will furnish the samples.

• Travel is not applicable.

• Results to be sent via email to Anna.Ortiz@usda.gov.