USDA, ARS, North Atlantic Area, Contracting Office, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038

37 -- RESEARCH GRADE LIQUID MANURE SPREADER AND ACCESSORIES SOL 06-3615-00 DUE 062700 POC Eileen LeGates, Contracting Officer, Lisa M. Botella, Point of Contact, (215) 233-6551, fax (215) 233-6558 The USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) requires a NUHN 1800 U.S. Gallon Research Grade Liquid Manure Spreader (tractor-pulled) and Accessories, or its equivalent, to be furnished and delivered (F.O.B. Destination) to the USDA, ARS, N.E. Plant, Soil and Water Lab, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, 04469. The "research grade" type spreader is described as equipment that administers a constant and consistent application rate of the slurried manure which is electronically controlled for disbursement. A firm need not submit an offer if the equipment's spread rate is based only on tractor speed, rpm's, and application regulator valves. This equipment will be used for research on improving the nutrients use efficiency in manure amended cropping systems. 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 acquisition will be conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures authorized in Part 12 and as set forth in Subpart 13.5. It will be a "Brand Name or Equal" solicitation. Unless clearly marked, the offered items (s) shall be considered as the brand name products(s) set forth in the solicitation. CONTRACTORS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN RECEIVING THE SOLICITATION AND/OR ANY FUTURE AMENDMENTS MUST REGISTER IN WRITING TO BE INCLUDED ON THE MAILING LIST WITH THE CONTRACTING OFFICE LISTED ABOVE. The Solicitation number 06-3615-00 is issued as a Request For Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-15. TELEGRAPHIC OR FACSIMILE QUOTATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. This procurement is unrestricted. SCHEDULE OF ITEMS -- Furnish and deliver, F.O.B. Destination, the following new equipment including all hardware and new application accessories and training in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in this document. ITEM 01: 1-EA -- Research Grade Liquid Manure Spreader (tractor-pulled) including all hardware and accessories in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in this document. ITEM 02: 1-EA -- 12-foot Boom applicator with regulation fixed width spread. ITEM 03: 1-EA -- 12-foot Band applicator. ITEM 04: 1-EA -- 12-foot Coulter-Tooth Injector. ITEM 05: 1-EA -- 7-Tooth Injector with tool bar. ALL THIS FOR A TOTAL OF $_________. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS -- The "research grade" type spreader is described as equipment that administers a constant and consistent application rate of the manure and is electronically controlled by a sensor which restricts the flow rate of the slurry mixture and consequently results in an even application of the slurry mixture. The small tank size (1800 gallons) is required for maneuvering within the locations small plot size. The adjustable axel is required because the field plots are small and the application process will vary by row or plot depending on the research. The system shallalso allow for expansion of the application attachments and/or fittings (i.e. boom applicators, tooth injectors, etc.). This application technology will allow flexibility in accommodating different attachments in order to compare the application techniques using the same spreader. A Government-owned tractor, John Deer model 2840, 80 horsepower, shall be used with this equipment. 52.211-6 BRAND NAME OR EQUAL (AUG 1999) -- If an item in this solicitation is identified as "brand name or equal," the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government's needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that "equal" products must meet are specified in the solicitation. To be considered for award, offers of "equal" products, including "equal" products of the brand name manufacturer, must -- Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristic specified in this solicitation; Clearly identify the item by-Brand name, if any; and Make or model number; Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer; and Clearly describe any modifications the offeror plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modifications. The Contracting Officer will evaluate "equal" products on the basis of information furnished by the offeror or identified in the offer and reasonably available to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer. Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an "equal" product, the offeror shall provided the brand name product referenced in the solicitation. The Nuhn 1800 U.S. Gallon Research Grade Liquid Manure Spreader (Brand Name or Equal) includes the following: 1. Tractor-pulled liquid (slurried) manure spreader; 2. Tank Capacity: minimum 1000 gallon, maximum 2000 gallons; 3. Adjustable axel allowing 30-36 inch row spread (90" to 72" track); 4. 18.4 x 26 single turf tires; 5. 4" Spread System with in-tank mixing and volume control; 6. In-tank washing system; 7. Access door and lights; 8. Calibrated sight tube; 9. Full frame and hitch for attachments; 10. Electronic Controlled Spread Rate includes 4 inch sensors, controller, valving, ground speed indicator and three (3) extra plugs for power so spray rate is adjusted for changes in the RPM's and ground speed to maximize application accuracy; 11. Manure cutter to chop bedding material and homogenize manure prior to tank entry; 12. Manifold with power distribution to provide even, consistent manure application throughout the width of the applicator system. 13. Hardware and accessories for electronic control which includes hardware for spread attachments. The application accessories include at a minimum the following: 1. 12-foot Boom applicator with regulation fixed width spread to accommodate 12-foot plot widths; 2. 12-foot Band applicator for direct application to soil; 3. 12-foot Coulter-Tooth Injector for 12-foot soil application; 4. 7-Tooth Injector with tool bar with the option to move, take off or add other equipment to be used in 12-foot row or blanket injection application. Please provide pricing and product literature for any additional application accessories for future expansion of the system. DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE: Offerors are required to submit descriptive literature pertaining to the brand and type of equipment offered in accordance with FAR Clause 52.214-21, Descriptive Literature (Apr 1984). This literature must be submitted even if literature has been submitted previously. Offerors must identify the brand name and type of equipment being offered in their offer. DELIVERABLES: The system, all required documentation and training shall be delivered (F.O.B. Destination) to the USDA, ARS, NAA, N.E. Plant, Soil and Water Lab, University of Maine, Orono, Maine. Delivery of all equipment and the Operations and Maintenance documentation shall be made within 6 weeks after receipt of the purchase order, shall be scheduled with the COR named at the time of award and shall be delivered within the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excl. Federal holidays. Training shall be completed within 14 calendar days after delivery. SETUP AND TRAINING: The Contractor shall be responsible for performing all start-up operations to ensure the system is fully functional for its intended purpose. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at least one (1) week in advance to coordinate the date for training. The Contractor shall provide training within 14 calendar days after delivery of the equipment (on-site in Orono, ME) to six (6) personnel on the proper operation and use of all equipment, system use, accessory hook-up procedures and servicing the equipment. DOCUMENTATION: Three (3) sets each of the operations and maintenance, spare parts, and service manuals for all equipment shall be furnished with equipment delivery. Final payment shall not be made until all training is completed. PACKING AND SHIPPING: The Contractor shall pack each item for shipment in a new container in such a manner that will assure acceptance by common carrier and safe delivery at the destination. Containers and closures shall comply with the Interstate Commerce Regulation, Uniform Freight Classification Rules, or regulations of other carriers as applicable to the mode of transportation. The items to be furnished shall be labeled with the purchase order number and delivered, all transportation charges paid by the Contractor in accordance with the F.O.B. Destination clause to USDA, ARS, NAA, N.E. Plant, Soil and Water Lab, University of Maine Orono, ME 04459, Attn. Dr. W. Honeycutt. The provision at 52-212-1, Instruction to Offerors -- Commercial Items, 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, acknowledge of amendment (if any), warranties, descriptive literature for the proposed equipment, Brand Name and Model Number, past performance information, and the Certifications at FAR 212-3 to the Contracting Officer. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THIS INFORMATION MAY RENDER THE OFFER NONRESPONSIVE. TELEGRAPHIC OR FACSIMILE OFFERS AR NOT ACCEPTABLE. The provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. ADDENDUM TO FAR CLAUSE 52.212-2. Any resulting order will be issued to the company offering the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following evaluation criteria are included in paragraph(a) of that provision. The Contracting Officer will make award to the company offering the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered. EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD will be based on technical capabilities, past performance and price and price-related factors. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION RELATIVE TO EACH EVALUATION FACTOR MAY RENDER YOUR OFFER NON-RESPONSIVE. 1) TECHNICAL CAPABILITY OF THE FIRM-Contractors shall comply with the "Brand Name or Equal" clause included herein. Equipment offered shall equal or exceed that offered by Nuhn Industries, Ontario, Canada. Any deviations for the specifications for the equipment offered under this Request for Quotation, shall be included with the offer. If no deviation, please so state. Technical capability will be based on product literature, technical features and warranty provisions. Each offeror is required to submit warranty information, descriptive literature or other documentation, manufacturer or brand name and model of the item, and show how the offered product meets or exceeds the requirements as specified in the specifications. 2) PAST PERFORMANCE-Past performance history may be based on the Contracting Officer's knowledge of any previous history of this type of work, customer surveys or any other verifiable information available to the Contracting Officer. In order to be considered for a contract award, Contractors shall provide a list of three (3) contracts of a similar nature and complexity that the were awarded within the past three (3) years or that is/are currently in force. This information must be submitted with your offer. For each contract, list the following: 1. Name, address, and telephone number of the contracting organization, the Government's Project Officer and Contracting Officer. 2. Contract number, type, and dollar value. 3. Date of contract and period of performance. 4. List any contract(s) terminated for convenience or default (partial or complete) within the past three (3) years. Include the contract number, name, address, and telephone number of the terminating officer. 3) PRICE-Price includes all equipment, accessories, training, discount terms, and transportation. Your offer shall include pricing in accordance with the SCHEDULE OF ITEMS identified above. Offerors shall include a complete copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror/Representation and Certifications-Commercial Items, with the quotation. FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. ADDENDA TO FAR CLAUSE 52.212-4. The following terms and conditions are added as an addendum to this clause: 1. Item (a) Inspection and Acceptance is amended to include the following: AGAR 452.246-70 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE (FEB 1988) -(a) The Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer's duly authorized representative will inspect and accept the supplies and/or services to be provided under this contract. (b) Inspection and acceptance will be performed at: USDA, ARS, North Atlantic Area, N.E. Plant, Soil & Water Lab, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469. 2. Item (g) Invoice is amended to include the following: The invoice shall be submitted in an original and one copy after delivery of all items. The Invoice shall be mailed to: USDA, ARS, North Atlantic Area, Eastern Regional Research Center, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, Attn: Lisa M. Botella. 3. Item (o) Warranty is amended to include the following: 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 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 with its response. 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/. 52.204-4, Printing/Copying double-sided no recycled paper (June 1996); 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (Jun 1999); 52.211-6, Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999); 52.214-21, Descriptive Literature (Apr 1984); 52.214-34, Submission of Offers in the English Language (Apr 1991); 52.214-35, Submission of Offers in the U.S. Currency (Apr 1991); 52.247-34, F.O. B. Destination (Nov 1991). 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 for supplies: 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUL 1995); 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999); 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (APR 1984); 52.222-35, Affirmative Action for Disabled Veterans and Vietnam Era Veterans (APR 1998); 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 1998); 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era (APR 1998); 52.225-3, Buy American Act North American Free Trade Agreement-Israeli Trade Act Balance of Payments Program (FEB 2000); 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration (MAY 1999); 52.247-64,Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (JUN 1997). Responses are due by 4:00 p.m. local time, on June 27, 2000, at the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Contracting Office, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038. TELEGRAPHIC OR FACSIMILE QUOTATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. Point of contact for this acquisition is Lisa Botella, Contracting Officer, (215) 233-6551, or fax (215) 233-6558. Posted 06/07/00 (W-SN462566). (0159)

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