USDA-ARS-FAA, Richard B. Russell Center, 950 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605-2720

24 -- ORCHARD TRACTORS SOL RFQ-022-4384-97 DUE 092397 POC Pat Lang, Procurement Assistant, (706)546-3533; Alan Moore, Contracting Officer (706)546-3533 WEB: Click here to download a copy of 52.212-3, http://www.nist.gov/admin/od/contract/repcert.htm. E-MAIL: Click here to contact the contracting office via e-mail, saa,contr@ars.usda.gov. (i)This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; prices are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. (ii)This solicitation number RFQ-022-4384-97 is issued as a request for quotation, modified from the RFQ synopsized in the August 4, 1997 CBD. This modification was necessary due to changed specifications resulting from a re-evaluation of minimum requirements brought on by the continual changing nature and requirements of the research. (iii)The solicitation document and inclurporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisiton Circular 90-46. (iv)FAR 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside is applicable to this acquisition. The standard industrial classification code is 3523. The small business size standard is 500 employees. (v) Contract Line Item No. 1 is: two wheel drive, Low Profile Orchard tractor with an air conditioned Nelson (or equivalent) pesticide spray cab suitable for the application of restricted use pesticides, installed and delivered, 2 each. (vi) The pesticide spray cab must meet the following criteria: the pesticide spray cab a)must meet the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and be approved as a "Type 1 Enclosed Cab Acceptable for Respiratory Protection" that is suitable for the application of organic pesticides; b)must have a positive pressure indicator dial; c)must also be a Low Profile type that allows for minimally obstructed access through orchards; d)must have deflection bars on its leading face to protect against oncoming limbs; e)must have a leading face angle of 60 degrees or less; f)must have angled sides so as to minimize potential for impact with oncoming limbs; g)must be installed onto the tractor; h)must not have a protruding structure, or lip, that can be snagged by low limbs. Because of the nature of theresearch being conducted and the uncertain health effects of working with experimental pesticides; compliance with EPA certification requirements is mandatory. The tractor must meet the following: Engine: at least 85 pto HP with exhaust to the side or rear; Transmission: Minimum of 8 forward, 2 reverse gears; PTO: Independent, 2 speed, 540/1000 rpm; Three point linkage: Maximum lift capacity of at least 4200 pounds; Other features: Dual remote hydraulics and special orchard fenders for rear tires; Angled nose: The front of the tractor must have a substantial nose angle, being lower than the rest of the tractor, so as to enhance visibility under close or tight conditions; Length: No greater than 165 inches; Maximum height: No greater than 105 inches; Wheel base: Between 85 and 95 inches; Minimum turning radius: Less than 16 feet. Quoters should provide descriptive literature detailing how their proposed tractors and cabs meet the above specifications.A requirement of this acquisition is a trade-in allowance for two 1984 Ford Model 5610 Row Crop tractors with cabs and air conditioners. Serial number C716672 has 5690.5 hours and C716671 has 6050.6 hours. (vii)Delivery shall be FOB Destination, USDA ARS Fruit and Nut Tree Research Lab, Byron GA within 30 days of contract award. Acceptance shall be made at destination. (viii)The provision at 52.212-1, Instruction to Offerors -- Commercial, applies to this acquisition. (ix)The contracting officer will make award based on price and price-related factors. (x)Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror/Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, with its proposal. (xi)FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. (xii)FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statues or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following FAR clauses cited in 52.212-5 are applicable to this acquisition: 52.203-6; 52.203-10; 52.219-14; 52.222-26; 52.222-35; 52.222-36; 52.222-37; 52.225-3; 52.222-18; 52.225-21. (xiii)The contractor shall extend to the Government the full coverage of any standard commercial warranty normally offered in a similar commercial sale, provided such warranty is available at no additional cost to the Government. Acceptance of the standard commercial warranty does not waive the Government's rights under the Inspection clause nor does it limit the Government's rights with regard to the other terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of a conflict, the terms and conditions of the contract shall take precedence over the standard commercial warranty. The contractor shall provide a copy of its standard commercial warranty (if applicable) with its response. (xiv)Responses are due by 4:00 pm local time, September 23, 1997, at USDA Agricultural Research Service, 950 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605-2720 (or PO BX 5677, Athens, GA 30604-5677). (xv) Point of contact for this acquisition is Alan Moore, Contracting Officer, (706) 546-3533, fax (706) 546-3444. (0255)

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