USDA, ARS, FMOD, BA, Contracting Section, Bldg. 003, Rm. 329, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350

A -- CARBON-13 DIOXIDE SOL 18-3K47-00 DUE 092100 POC Angie Bianco, Contract Specialist, 301-504-5548, fax 301-504-5009 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; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is 18-3K47-00 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) on a full and open competitive basis. This solicitation is unrestricted. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses that are in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-19. The Standard Industrial Classification code is 2813, with a small business standard of 1,000 employees. This product shall be delivered within 60 days after award. Shipped F.O.B. Destination with inside delivery, to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705. The procurement is for the following items: Item (1) 900 liters of Carbon-13 Dioxide (99 atom % Carbon 13 and 1% Oxygen-18) and Item (2) tanks for the storage of the gas. The preferable packaging of the Carbon-13 Dioxide is 3 tanks of 300 liters each. This solicitation incorporates the following FAR clauses, provision and addendums: 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items; 52.212-2 Evaluation -- Commercial Items; 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items; 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items; 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items; and 52.247-34 F.O.B. Destination. In paragraph (b) of 52.212-5, the following apply: 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222-37, 52.232-34, 52.225-3, 52.225-13, 52.225-15. 52.222-70 COMPLIANCE WITH VETERANS EMPLOYMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (JAN 1999) (DEVIATION) (USDA). (a) The offeror represents that, if it is subject to the reporting requirements of 38 U.S.C. 4212(d) (i.e., the VETS-100 report required by FAR clause 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era), it has [ ], has not [ ], submitted the most recent report required by 38 U.S.C 4212(d). (b) An offeror who checks "has not" may not be award a contract until the required report is filed. CONTRACT PAYMENTS (MANDATORY INFORMATION FOR ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER) Electronic Funds Transfer compliance with 31 CFR 208. To facilitate EFT for contract payments, FAR clauses 52.232-34 and 52.232-35 (31 CFR Part 208) requires the submission of information by the contractor to the payment office. Upon award, the contractor shall contact the Miscellaneous Payments Section at the National Finance Center (NFC) to initiate the enrollment process of the Vendor Express Program (VXP), which will result in a number being assigned to the contractor for payment under EFT. NFC can be reached at 1-800-421-0323 or at www.nfc.usda.gov. All offerors must include completed copies of 52.212-3 (Representations and Certifications) and 52.222-70 (Compliance with Veterans Employment Reporting Requirements). Fax quotations are acceptable to Angie Bianco (301) 504-5009 on or before September 21, 2000 at 4:30 p.m. (EST). Quotations shall include literature, specifications, and other such information corresponding to the requirement which demonstrates the capabilities of the equipment for meeting the requirement. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: (I) price and (ii) past performance. Please include 3 references. The anticipated award date is September 25, 2000. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which shall be considered by the agency. Posted 08/25/00 (W-SN490314). (0238)

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