Twenty-Four Head of Cattle (Calves) - Notice of Intent to Sole Source
ID: 1232SA26Q0043Type: Presolicitation
Overview

Buyer

AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OFAGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICEUSDA ARS AFM APDBELTSVILLE, MD, 20705, USA

NAICS

Beef Cattle Ranching and Farming (112111)

PSC

LIVE ANIMALS, NOT RAISED FOR FOOD (8820)
Timeline
    Description

    The United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) is seeking to procure 24 heads of cattle (calves) for the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insect Research Laboratory located in Kerrville, Texas. The calves must weigh between 300-450 lbs, be aged 6-24 months, and primarily consist of Hereford breeds, with Black Angus or Charolais as acceptable alternatives, while explicitly excluding Brahman breeds. This procurement is critical for research purposes, and the USDA-ARS intends to make a sole source award to Gillespie Livestock Co., as they are the only known supplier capable of meeting the specific requirements outlined in the attached statement of requirements. Interested vendors must submit their capabilities by the specified deadline and ensure they are registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI#). The anticipated delivery date for the calves is no later than March 30, 2026, with the award expected to be made by January 16, 2026. For further inquiries, vendors can contact Aaron Dimeo at aaron.dimeo@usda.gov or by phone at 608-416-0027.

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    The document outlines specifications for procuring 24 calves for the USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insect Research Laboratory in Kerrville, Texas. Key requirements include calves weighing 300-450 lbs, aged 6-24 months, primarily Hereford (Black Angus or Charolais if Hereford are unavailable), and explicitly excluding Brahman breeds. Calves must be heifers or steers, free from bull calves, and have no prior exposure to cattle fever ticks. They must be healthy and sourced from a facility within a 60-mile radius of Kerrville, TX, to minimize disease risk and transport stress. The Government will inspect and select animals at the origin facility and handle transportation. All animals must be delivered by March 30, 2026.
    The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a
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