USDA, ARS, Southern Plains Area, 7607 Eastmark Drive, Suit 230, College Station, Texas, 77840

37 -- FORAGE PLOT HARVESTER SOL R3-6218-2000 DUE 071700 POC Michael A. Douglas, Contract Specialist, Phone:(979) 260-9480; Fax:(979) 260-9413 E-MAIL: click here to contact the contract specialist via, mdouglas@spa.ars.usda.gov. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is R3-6218-2000 and is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). The SIC is 3523. This solicitation document incorporates those provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97 -- 18. The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Grazinglands Research Laboratory requests the procurement of one (1) Forage Plot Harvester be used by the Laboratory in research of cool season perennial grass forages. System Description and Specifications: The Forage Plot Harvester requested must have the following minimum specifications. Self-propelled, diesel or gasoline engine, Hydrostatic forward/reverse traction drive, hydraulic power steering, hydraulic foot break, mechanical hand break, lugged drive tires -- 27/8.5-15 or 280/15.5, drivers seat weather canopy, hydraulic header lift with float, hydraulic reel lift, hydraulic reel speed control -- adjustable from driver's seat, at least 5-bat, hume-style reel with flaps, electrical weighing hopper, dump and by-pass of hopper when not weighing, large collection hopper (full machine width) with easy off-loading of plant material, cutter bar height adjustable from 1.5 inches to 30 inches above the ground, at least a 50 inch cutter bar, sidehill capabilities, in hopper moisture tester, electronic scale with LCD-readout, printer for data recording and RS 232 port+installation, wind screen to protect weighing hopper from the effects of wind. The contractor shall perform all delivery and set-up and training so that the Forage Plot Harvester is complete and ready to use. The Forage Plot Harvester shall be delivered to the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Grazinglands Research Laboratory, 7207 West Cheyenne Street,El Reno, OK. The Government "REQUIRES" delivery no later than December 1, 2000, however, each offeror shall include their proposed delivery schedule as part of their quotation. Acceptance and FOB point are destination. In order to be considered for award offerors shall provide a quotation on company letterhead detailing the unit pricing; descriptive literature, brochures, and five references for the proposed instrument that have received the proposed instrument within the last three calendar years (Government references preferred but will accept commercial references) shall also be provided for the product quoted. FAR 52.212-1 (Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items), FAR 52.212-2 (Evaluation -- Commercial Items), the significant evaluation factors, in the relative order of importance, are (i) technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement; (ii) past performance; and (iii) price (based on F.O.B. Destination), and FAR 52.212-4 (Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items) apply to this acquisition. FAR 52.212-5 (Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items) also applies, with the following clauses from (b) applicable to this acquisition: FAR 52.203-6; FAR 52.219-4; FAR 52.219-8; FAR 52.219-23; FAR 52.222-26; FAR 52.222-35; FAR 52.222-36; FAR 52.222-37; FAR 52.225-16; FAR 52.232-36. Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3 (Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items), with this offer; a copy of this provision may be obtained from the contracting officer or at http://www.arnet.gov/far. Furnish quotations to Michael Douglas, Contracting Officer, USDA, ARS, SPA, 7607 Eastmark Drive, Suite 230, College Station, Texas, 77840, no later than 3:00p.m., July 17, 2000. Quotations my be provided by facsimile to (979) 260-9413 if desired. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the contracting officer at (979) 260-9480 (voice) or email below. Posted 06/29/00 (W-SN470215). (0181)

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