Soil Fertility Testing

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Soil Fertility Testing services to be performed in Pullman, WA. The government intends to make one award for this requirement.

• The primary deliverable is "Soil Fertility Testing." Details are provided in Attachment 1: Performance Work Statement and QASP.

• A Certificate of Conformance (COC) is required in accordance with FAR clause 52.246-15, demonstrating traceability from sample receipt to results.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed price, purchase order.

• Period of Performance: June 1, 2026, to October 15, 2026.

• Delivery Date: October 15, 2026.

• Offer Due Date: May 8, 2026, at 0900 ET.

• Submission: The complete SF1449 RFQ document, including pricing and terms, must be submitted.

• Evaluation Factors: Offers will be evaluated based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria. Price and Technical Acceptability are the primary factors. Past Performance will also be considered.

• Technical Acceptability: Will be rated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable."

• Responsiveness: Quotes must be complete, include pricing for all CLINs/Line Items, and acknowledge all amendments.

• This acquisition is listed as "Unrestricted."

• All amendments will be posted to sam.gov. It is the quoter's responsibility to monitor sam.gov for updates.

• Inquiries must be submitted via email only to the point of contact listed in the sam.gov posting.

• Shipping Instructions: Items are to be shipped to PWA Northwest Sustainable Agroecosy, 4153 Pullman-Albion Road, Pullman, WA 99163.

• Service Contract Labor Standards may apply.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued under the Service Contract Act, establishing minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations in Washington County, Washington. It serves as a reference for contractors to ensure compliance with labor laws when performing contract work in the specified area.

• Wage Determination Number: 2015-5559, Revision No. 28
• Area: Washington Counties of Adams, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, and Whitman.
• Occupations Listed: Includes a comprehensive list of job titles with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Required fringe benefits follow the occupational listing.
• Executive Orders: Notes on Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage) are included, outlining contractor obligations.
• Health & Welfare: Specifies hourly rates for health and welfare benefits.
• Vacation & Holidays: Details paid vacation and holiday provisions.
• Hazardous Pay Differential: Outlines additional pay for hazardous work.
• Uniform Allowance: Addresses requirements for employee uniforms.
• Conformance Process: Explains the procedure for requesting additional classifications and wage rates not listed in the determination.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing services in the specified geographic area. It directly impacts the pricing of proposals and ensures compliance with federal labor regulations. Bidders must review the listed occupations and their corresponding wage rates to accurately calculate labor costs for their bids.

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

To analyze approximately 933 individual air-dried soil samples collected from R. J. Cook Agronomy Farm USDA-ARS Long-Term Agroecosystem Research field sites. The analysis aims to assess how field management practices affect soil fertility and identify the most useful soil fertility analysis tools for farmers, contributing to the development of new management tools and aligning with USDA Strategic Goal 1: Put Farmers First.

• Perform analysis on approximately 933 air-dried soil samples using approved laboratory methods.

• Provide personnel, materials, equipment, and facilities necessary for the work.

• The contractor is responsible for shipping samples beyond their facility.

• Sample analysis results are due within 90 days of sample delivery.

• A Certificate of Conformance must be provided with all email transmittals of analysis results.

• The contractor shall establish a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

• Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) for Contractor Performance Requirements and Tasks is 100%.

• Period of Performance (PoP): 06/01/2026 – 10/15/2026

• Place of Performance: Determined by Prime Contractor.

• The contractor's laboratory must demonstrate historical commercial competency (2+ years) in analytical methods.

• The laboratory must hold a recognized quality certification/accreditation (e.g., NAPT, ALTA).

• Analytical methods cannot be substituted or replaced without approval from the Government Technical Monitor.

• Sample intake and processing must be consistent with General NAPT standards or similar.

• Data is subject to USDA data sharing requirements and compliance with the Geospatial Data Act.

• Landowner Personally Identifiable Information (PII) will not be shared.

• FAR 52.224-3 Privacy Training applies.

• Specific soil properties to be analyzed include pH, organic matter, electrical conductivity, NO3-N, NH4-N, Bray-1 P, Olsen P, various elements (Ca, Mg, Na, S, B, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, K), Exchangeable Al, Cl, Effervescence, lime requirement, Cation Exchange Capacity, and Total Bases.

• Key personnel include a Prime Contractor Representative and an alternate, who must have full authority to act on contract matters.

• Only trained laboratory technicians are to perform analytical procedures.