USDA, ARS, Southern Plains Area, 7607 Eastmark Drive, Suite 230, College Station, TX 77840

88 -- CATTLE SOL 7-7MN1-96. DUE 032996. Contact Point, Roger F. Garza, Contracting Officer, 409-260-9448. The Agricultural Research Service requires steers through an Order Buyer Indefinite Delivery/Quantity Contract. The Order Buyer must be currently bonded and registered with the USDA Gain Inspectors, Packers and Stock Yard Administration. Failure to meet this requirement will render the offeror as nonresponsive. This contract will cover the Southern Plains Area which includes the states of Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Please note that 95 percent of the animals purchased will be delivered to the USDA, ARS, South Central Family Farm Research Laboratory at 6883 South State Highway 23, Booneville, Arkansas 72927. The contract will have a one year basic period of performance with four (4) one year option periods. The first deliver order placed against the new contract will be for 160 heads of steers, 475 to 525 pounds, young (not to exceed 12 months), medium frame, No. 1 cross-bred feeder steers, strictly fresh, no sick, crippled, or dairy cross calves will be accepted. One-fourth Braham acceptable if uniform across the entire lot. We need this first order as soon as possible, but in no case later than 14 days after contract award. The Government reserves the right to refuse any and all steers that do not meet the specifications at the time of delivery. The Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued on or about February 28, 1996. Proposals are due on March 29, 1996. Only written request for the solicitation will be accepted. Telephone/facsimile request will not be honored. All requests must reference the RFP number and the contact person listed above. This solicitation is set aside for small business. (057)

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