The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, Mandan, North Dakota, intends to enter into a single source contract with Hettinger Research Extention Center, Hettinger, North Dakota, a division of North Dakota State University, for the purchase of 60 head of yearling steers for a research project consisting of spring forage-finishing trials which will begin February 2006. The cattle must be from North or South Dakota or eastern Montana so they represent the typical cattle that are raised in this region of the Great Plains. The cattle must be calm because they will be kept in small pastures delineated by single wire electric fencing and they will be moved frequently by people on foot or 4-wheelers. The cattle must be accustomed to being fed from feed bunks. The following cattle are required at stated weight and specific breeds in order for scientists to compare the weight gain on these particular breeds while grazing. The cattle required are as follows: Sixty (60) each Angus and/or Angus/Hereford crossbred yearling steers weighing approximately 700 pounds each. The industry standard for purchasing livestock is from a livestock auction or directly from individual ranchers, with payment required by check or cash on the date of sale. The USDA-ARS does not have the capability to be able to purchase this amount of livestock in this manner. Attendance at more than one auction or dealing with more than one rancher may be necessary to purchase the number and type of cattle required and price comparison with the current market reports will be required to determine price reasonableness prior to purchase. Hettinger Research Extention Center has the capability of determining what animals are suitable for different types of research, purchasing animals, as well as doing research. *Provide Qualification Statement by Close of Business February 14, 2006, if interested in this procurement.

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