USDA-ARS-MWA, Contracting Office, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604

54 -- STEEL SHELVING UNITS FOR COLD STORAGE ROOMS SOL 5114-0-6015 DUE 042800 POC Lori J. Houghton, Contracting Officer, 309-681-6616 The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Midwest Area, Plant Genetics Research Unit, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO has the requirement for Steel Shelving for cold storage rooms. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation No. 5114-0-6015 is being issued as a Request for Quotation. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-16. The solicitation is issued under full and open competition. Any responsible contractor may submit a quotation. Standard Industrial Classification Code 3499 with a corresponding size standard of 500 employees applies to qualify as a small business. Offerors are to propose prices for the following: CLIN (Contract Line Item Number) 0001: Shelving for Seed Storage, 1 Lot. Background : In the lower level of the plant growth facility, there are three large rooms to be used for seed cold storage. The cold rooms to be installed are modular in construction and require shelving to hold the seed boxes for various crops. Seed box dimensions are approximately 24" deep 6.75" high 13.25" wide (for the corn genetics and breeding projects). A fully-loaded box can weigh up to 53 lbs. Inside cold room dimensions are approximately 77' 10" long 28' 10" wide for the largest room, and for the other two rooms, dimensions are 57' 4" long 28' 10" wide. Clear interior height is approximately 7' 9". The salient characteristics the Steel Shelving must meet or include are: Desired are shelf units that are 48" wide either 24" deep or 48" deep. Five shelves per unit are planned for both depths. This will permit stacking of six boxes (3 wide 2 high) on each 24" deep shelf. For the 48" shelf units with boxes back-to-back, there will be 12 boxes per shelf. The 24" deep units will be used around the perimeter of the rooms while the 48" deep shelves will be used for areas with accessability from both sides. Shelves will be placed such that the top shelf is at approximately 70" and there will be not less than 15" clear between shelves (assumes a 2" high shelf). Supporting posts should be 7' high to allow greater shelf spacing, if necessary, to accommodate the minimum increment of vertical adjustment (typically 1.5-2") or greater shelf heights. For the 24 in. deep units, individual shelf loading could be up to 318 pounds. Unit loading with five shelves could be up to 1590 pounds. For the 48" deep units, individual shelf loading could be up to 636 pounds. Unit loading with five shelves could be up to 3180 pounds. Desired is a 100% safety factor for shelf and unit loading. To promote air circulation between boxes, shelving should be with open, wire-mesh decking (not smaller than 4 ga wire on not more than 2 4" centers, for example) utilizing center shelfsupports (front-to-back) for additional strength. Number of Units: For the 24" deep shelf units, 10 units should be "starter units" and 96 units should be "add-ons." Each unit should have five shelves with 24" center supports. "Add-on" units will use "T-posts" for connection to the "starter unit." For the 48" deep shelf units, 8 units should be "starter units" and 64 units should be "add-ons." Each unit should have five shelves with 24" center supports. "Add-on" units will use "T-posts" for connection to the "starter unit." An additional 30 48" center supports are required for bracing where vertical building beams will pass through the center of a unit. Assembly: Because of the large number of units to be assembled and for strength, a double-rivet system is needed vs. nuts, bolts, and braces (see the following depiction). Except for the bolted on center supports, only a rubber mallet is needed for. Offerors shall submit Descriptive Literature describing their proposed equipment in enough detail to ascertain whether the equipment meets the criteria listed above. Failure to demonstrate compliance will be cause to reject the proposal without further discussions. FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial, FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, and FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items apply to this acquisition. The above FAR clauses may be viewed at http://www.ARNet.gov/far/. Quotations will be evaluated on price, past performance, and proof of meeting the salient characteristics listed above. The evaluation factors for award listed above shall be considered equally, with no one element being weighted more than the others. Offers must include completed FAR 52.212-3, a commercial warranty for equipment, and a list of at least four references to include name, address, phone number, and fax number. A partial payment may be made 30 calendar days after acceptance of delivered equipment; with the final payment being made 30 days after set-up and training is accomplished. Equipment will be shipped FOB Destination to: USDA-ARS-MWA, Plant Genetics Research Unit, 110 Curtis Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211. Quotation Price must include any freight or shipping, as well as any applicable duties, brokerage, or customs fees, if applicable. Delivery of equipment desired to be within 12 weeks after receipt of award (however delivery is negotiable). Offer must include a 30 calendar day acceptance period. Offers are to be received Not Later than the Close of Business, April 28, 2000 at USDA-ARS-MWA, Contracting Office, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604. The POC for this acquisition is Lori J. Houghton, (309) 681-6616, or E-Mail: lhoughton@mwa.ars.usda.gov or FAX: (309) 681-6680. Faxed Quotations will be accepted. Posted 04/12/00 (W-SN444293). (0103)

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