PLANTING SEED CORN ON USDA FIELDS

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions and answers related to a corn planting solicitation, providing clarification on various aspects of the potential contract.

• Acreage: Approximately 75.4 acres are to be planted.
• Fields: There are 12 fields on paper, with 6 fields not connected or separated by more than a grass waterway.
• On-site Direction: A Farm Manager or designee will be available to provide direction on planting locations.
• Notice to Begin Planting: The Farm Manager will coordinate at least 48 hours in advance, discussing field prep and weather conditions.
• Experience Documentation: References, prior invoices, or written statements are acceptable, provided they include details on equipment, acreage, and location.
• Insurance: Requirements will be as specified in the contract, with the contractor typically responsible for covering all tasks, equipment, and personnel.
• Field Condition: Fields will be prepped by government personnel using a Kuhn Disc Harrow and a John Deere Field Cultivator.
• Planting Method: Conventional cultivation is expected prior to planting (refer to field condition clarification).
• Seed Corn: Seed corn will be provided in bags.

This document clarifies key operational details, acreage, field conditions, and submission requirements, which bidders should consider when preparing their proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the solicitation to clarify acreage for corn planting and changes the unit of issue from 'Each' to 'Acre'.

• CLINS 0001 and 1001 are affected by the change in unit of issue and acreage.

• The "List of Changes" section indicates a date change for distribution from 27-MAR-26 to 30-MAR-26.

• The amendment clarifies the quantity for the base CLIN (0001) and the optional CLIN (1001).

• The USDA, NADC anticipates planting up to 75 acres, with an option for an additional 15 acres.

• The period of performance for CLIN 1001 is updated to 04/15/2026 to 06/15/2026.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (Request for Quotation - RFQ) for the planting of seed corn. The seed corn will be harvested and used for feeding research animals at the National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, Iowa. This is the only solicitation, and no separate written solicitation will be issued.

• Planting of seed corn.

• The seed corn will be harvested for use in feeding research animals.

• Specific planting requirements include:

  • Supplying all necessary equipment and supplies (tractor, planter, fuel, labor).
  • Planting in designated fields.
  • Maintaining a 30" row width.
  • Achieving a consistent population of 35,000 seeds per acre.
  • Ensuring a consistent seed planting depth of 2 inches.
  • Ensuring consistent seed-to-soil contact and adjusting down pressure based on soil moisture and texture.

• The contractor must provide evidence of previous direct experience in similar services.

• Sub-contractors must also provide documented evidence of their ability and equipment.

• Award Type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order is anticipated.

• Period of Performance: April 15, 2026 to May 15, 2026.

• Delivery: Planting must commence within 4 business days of request by USDA procurement officer or NADC Farm Manager. The NADC will supply the seed corn.

• Place of Performance: 1920 Dayton Ave, Ames, IA 50010.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 30 calendar days from the offer due date.

• Questions are due by March 31, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time, via email to katelyn.nelson@usda.gov.

• Quotes are due by April 3, 2026, 12:00 PM ET, via email to katelyn.nelson@usda.gov with the subject line "Quote for 1232SA26Q0378".

• Evaluation will be based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria.

• Evaluation factors include: Technical acceptability, delivery, and price.

• Past performance will also be evaluated.

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code: 115112.

• Small business size standard: $9.5M.

• This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Technical data is available in Attachment 2 (Scope of Work).

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference and/or included.

• Invoices must be submitted electronically through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).