The USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) requires four temporary lab technicians for the Microbial Food Safety Group at USDA, ARS, Eastern Regional Research Center located in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania; in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in this document. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR subpart 12.6 (current as of FAC 2001-19), as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This procurement is not restricted. The NAICS is 561320. The Solicitation number 106-10028, is issued as a Request For Quotation (RFQ). SCHEDULE OF ITEMS ? Provide and deliver F.O.B. Destination Four Temporary Lab Technicians for a period of 40 hours per week for up to 6 months to the Microbial Food Safety Group at ERRC, Wyndmoor, PA. Statement of Work Major Duties: Performs standardized routines in support of research projects. Such duties involve standardized tests, procedures, routines, or operations which require a general knowledge of basic biological science and the ability to know when and how to resolve problems encountered or to make adaptations in the sequencing of the tasks performed. Knowledge of microbiological and/or food science research techniques will be required also. Typical, but not all-inclusive, duties are illustrated by performance of any combination of the following: 1) Assists in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of standardized or routine duties in a laboratory common to the assigned area of work. 2) Performs routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment. 3) Records instrument readings, collects samples, and takes measurements. This will include plating food samples and counting bacterial colonies on a daily basis. 4) Keeps detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages. 5) Keeps work-site in a neat and orderly manner and assists in set-up and clean-up of work areas. 6) Duties will include some lifting (approximately 50 pounds). Research duties will involve working with microbial food-borne pathogens including Listeria spp. (Pregnant women should not apply because of the health risk to their unborn child when working with pathogens.) Wage Determination No. 1994-2449; Revision No. 17 dated 06/05/2003, applies to this quotation. Companies with the demonstrated capability of providing this service must submit a descriptive statement, specifically addressing the statement of work and availability. The statement must be submitted to the Contracting Office Address at the day and time specified in the synopsis. This is not a request for proposal. No solicitation is available.DOCUMENTATION: ADDITIONAL QUOTATION INFORMATION: Facsimile quotations are acceptable. The provision at 52-212-1, Instruction to Offerors - Commercial Items (Oct 2000), applies to this acquisition. FAR Clause 52.212-1, is amended to include the following clauses by reference: 1. Item (b) Submission of Offers is amended to include the following: Submit your quotation of the proposed service, and the Certifications at FAR 52.212-3 to the Contracting Officer. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THIS INFORMATION MAY RENDER THE OFFER NON-RESPONSIVE. FACSIMILE OFFERS ARE ACCEPTABLE. Your offer shall include pricing in accordance with the SCHEDULE OF ITEMS identified above. c) Offerors shall include a complete copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror/Representation and Certifications-Commercial Items (July 2002), with the quotation. FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (Feb 2002), applies to this acquisition. 1. Item (g) Invoice is amended to include the following: The invoice shall be submitted in an original and one copy. The Invoice shall be mailed to: USDA, ARS, Eastern Regional Research Center, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, ATTN: Regina Dennis. USDA, ARS, Eastern Regional Research Center plans to award a single, firm-fixed price service contract to the offeror whose quotation is most advantageous to the Government price and other factors considered. Award may be made without discussions; however, ERRC reserves the right to conduct discussions later if determined necessary by the contracting officer. This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and affect as if they were given in full text. The full text of these clauses may be accessed electronically at: http://www.arnet.gov/far/. Submission of Offerors in the English Language (Apr 1991); 52.214-35 Submission of Offers in U.S. Currency (Apr 1991); 52.247-35, F.O.B. Destination, Within Consignee=s Premises (APR 1984); 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statues or Executive Orders - Commercial Items (Apr 2003); 52.232-33 Payment By Electronic Funds Transfer -Central Contractor Registration (May 1999), applies to this acquisition. Responses are due by 4:00 p.m. local time, on March 10, 2004, at the USDA, ARS, Eastern Regional Research Center, Location Administrative Office, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038. Point of Contact for this acquisition is Regina Dennis, Purchasing Agent, (215) 233-6553 or fax (215) 233-6485.

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