Planting Seed Corn on USDA Fields

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The National Animal Disease Center (NADC) is part of the USDA and is located in Ames, Iowa. Its mission is to provide animal care and support services for research, testing, and training that rely on animals and animal products. This solicitation aims to acquire a contractor to plant seed corn that will be harvested for use in feeding research animals at the NADC. The corn silage produced is essential for the NADC's dairy herd feeding program. Work Details The contractor will be responsible for planting seed corn on government-owned land as designated by the ARU Farm Manager. Specific tasks include: - Supplying all necessary equipment (tractors, planters, fuel) and labor; - Planting corn with a row width of 30 inches; - Achieving a planting population of 35,000 seeds per acre; - Ensuring a planting depth of 2 inches; - Maintaining consistent seed-to-soil contact; - Regularly checking planter depth; - Adjusting down pressure based on soil moisture and texture; - Supervising all operations under their responsibility. The contractor must provide evidence of previous experience in similar services, and any subcontractors must also demonstrate their capability. Period of Performance Planting activities are scheduled to occur between April 15, 2026, and May 15, 2026. Planting must commence within four business days of a request from the USDA procurement officer or NADC Farm Manager. Place of Performance 1920 Dayton Ave, Ames IA 50010