Laboratory Animal Feed - Base+4 IDIQ - Ames IA
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 Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has awarded an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Laboratory Animal Feed to support the USDA-NADC Animal Resources Unit in Ames, Iowa. This contract ensures the provision of fresh, clean, high-quality feed for various laboratory animals. The award notice was published on March 23, 2026.
Scope of Work
The awarded contract requires the contractor to supply specific types of laboratory animal feed, including soy protein-free dry feed for mice, rats, and hamsters; high-fiber dry feed for rabbits; high-fiber dry feed for guinea pigs (with stabilized Vitamin C); and irradiated extruded rodent diet. All feed must be free of hormones, antibiotics, growth stimulants, bactericides, bacteriostats, and coccidiostats. Deliveries are to be made within five working days of order, during normal business hours (7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. CST, Monday-Friday, excluding Federal holidays) to USDA, ARS, MWA, NADC, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Building 24, Ames, Iowa 50010. Deliveries must be in clean, closed vehicles, on returnable or disposable pallets, and accompanied by a delivery ticket. Feed must have at least 9 months shelf life and be within 45 days of manufacture upon delivery. No substitution or deviation from formulations is permissible without USDA approval.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
- Period of Performance: One (1) one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods, totaling up to five (5) years.
- Number of Awards: One award was anticipated and made.
- Set-Aside: None specified for this award.
- Place of Performance: USDA, NCAH, 1920 Dayton Ave, Ames, IA, Building 24 loading dock.
Award Basis
The contract was awarded based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria. The lowest priced quotation that demonstrated technical acceptability, including capability to meet requirements and acceptable past performance, was selected.
Key Contract Requirements
Contractors are required to adhere to specific packaging standards, including multi-wall paper bags for items 1-3 and bags that preserve irradiation effectiveness for item 4. Each bag must be tagged with weight, feed name, nutrient analysis, ingredients, precautions, and manufacturer's date. Pricing for all Contract Line Items (CLINs) across all ordering periods must be Firm Fixed Price FOB Destination.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding this award, the primary contact is Christopher Turner at christopher.c.turner@usda.gov.