PLANTING SEED CORN ON USDA FIELDS
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) is soliciting proposals for planting seed corn on USDA fields in Ames, IA. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for a Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order to support the National Animal Disease Center (NADC) research animals. This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotes are due by April 3, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will be responsible for planting seed corn on up to 75 acres, with an option for an additional 15 acres, at the NADC in Ames, IA. The corn will be harvested for use in feeding research animals. Key requirements include:
- Supplying all necessary equipment and supplies (tractor, planter, fuel, labor).
- Planting in designated fields with a 30" row width.
- Achieving a consistent population of 35,000 seeds per acre and a planting depth of 2 inches.
- Ensuring consistent seed-to-soil contact.
- Providing evidence of previous direct experience in similar services.
- The NADC will supply the seed corn.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order
- Period of Performance: April 15, 2026, to May 15, 2026 (base), with the optional CLIN 1001 extending to June 15, 2026.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 115112 (Farm Management Services), Size Standard: $9.5M
- Questions Due: March 31, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Quotes Due: April 3, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Published: March 30, 2026 (Amendment 0001)
Evaluation
Award will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria. Evaluation factors include technical acceptability, delivery capabilities, price, and past performance.
Additional Notes
This solicitation was amended to clarify acreage and change the unit of issue from 'Each' to 'Acre' for CLINS 0001 and 1001. Planting must commence within 4 business days of request. Contact Katelyn Nelson at katelyn.nelson@usda.gov for inquiries.