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. Solicitation No. AG-51LA-S-13-0009 is being issued as a Request for Quotes (RFQ). This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-69. The NAICS code applicable to this acquisition is 334516. For a company to qualify as a small business, the small business standard is 500 employees or less. The USDA, ARS, MWA, NCAUR, Crop Bio protection (CBP) Research Unit, Peoria, IL has a requirement/need for contractor to provide a plant growth chamber.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

1) Floor standing plant growth chamber must be 15 to 16 ft2 plant growing space and vertical
Growing height of at least 57inches

2) Light irradiance of at least 750 umoles/m2/sec.

3) Adjustable height light canopy composed of fluorescent/incandescent arrays or comparable
for obtaining blue and red wavelength light to support plant growth

4) Temperature control with lights on that maintains al low as 10 C and as high as 45 C

5) Foot print not to exceed 110" by 37" by 80" (w x depth x height) due to install location

6) Touch screen chamber controller for programming light/dark periods and temperature

7) Chamber construction accomplished without any wood content

8) Airflow movement from floor of chamber to ceiling

9) Safety shut offs must be prominent and easily accessed by the operator

10) Electrical service 30 amp based

DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE: Offerors shall submit 2 copies of the descriptive literature (with pictures) describing their proposed equipment with enough detail to ascertain whether the equipment meets the criteria listed above.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED IN QUOTE: In order to be considered for award Offerors shall provide 1) a Quote on company letterhead detailing the item description, unit price per item, total price and valid for at least 60 days after receipt of quote; 2) at least 3 to 5 references. (Government references preferred but will accept commercial references). References shall be provided for the service proposed and if possible include the email address of the person to be contacted; and 3) Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provisions FAR 52.212-3, OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS, with this offer; a copy of this provision may be obtained at http://www.acquisition.gov/far

REJECTION OF QUOTATION: Failure to demonstrate compliance will be cause to reject the quote without further discussions. All responsible sources may submit an offer with will be considered. The following provisions and clauses apply to this acquisition and can be found in full text at http://www.acquisition.gov/far Far 52.252-1, Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference are as follows: FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items: FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications Commercial Items (provide with Quote); FAR 52.204-7, Central contractor Registration (ALL OFFERORS MUST HAVE A RECORD SHOWING "ACTIVE" IN ORDER TO RECEIVE AN AWARD). The website address for registration is: http://www.sam.gov and FAR 52.222-22, Previous Compliance Report. FAR 52.252-2, clauses incorporated by Reference, FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and conditions Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-commercial Items apply to this acquisition. The following FAR clauses cited in 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial items are applicable to this acquisition, reference attachment 1. The FAR clauses may be viewed at http://www.acquisition.gov/far

DELIVERY: FOB Destination. Delivery to: USDA-ARS-NCAUR, Peoria, Illinois. QUOTE PRICE MUST INCLUDE any freight or shipping, as well as any applicable duties, brokerage, or customs fees. DELIVERY DATE DUE: The Government requires delivery on or before 60 days ARO, however, each offeror shall include their proposed delivery schedule as part of their quotation.

FAR52.212-2, EVALUATION-COMMERCIAL ITEM, the significant evaluation factors, in the relative order of importance, are (i) technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement including delivery date; (ii) past performance; and (iii) price (based on F.O.B. Destination), technical and past performance are more important than price. Award will be made based on overall BEST VALUE to the Government.

EVALUATION & AWARD FACTORS-The contract resulting from this solicitation will be awarded to the responsible party whose offer, conforming to the solicitation, is determined most advantageous to the government, cost, and other factors considered. Each Quote shall respond to each of the evaluation factors identified below. With the exception of past performance, a technical evaluation will be performed on each quote based solely on the information furnished and not on previous knowledge or associations. The evaluation factors are as follows: (1) Technical Evaluation Factors: A) All quotes will be rated against the technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement. B) Delivery.

Any amendment and documents related to this procurement will be available electronically at the internet site: http://www.fbo.gov Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of those documents related to this procurement, if any. Furnish Quotes to Chris Gunterman, Contracting Officer, USDA, ARS, MWA, 1815 N. University St. Peoria, IL 61604, no later than 3pm. September 4, 2013. Quotes and other requested documents may be provided by email to [email protected] or facsimile to (309) 681-6473 if desired. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Contracting Officer at (309) 681-6481.

Bid Protests Not Available