USDA-ARS-MWA, Contracting Office, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604

37 -- PLOT PLANTER SOL 5114-0-6017 DUE 081500 POC Norma R. Cremeens, (309)681-6618 E-MAIL: Contracting Officer, cremeenn@mwa.ars.usda.gov. The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Midwest Area, Soybean Genetics Research Group, Urbana, Illinois, has the requirement for a Plot Planter. 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. Solicitation No. 5114-0-6017 is being issued as a Request for Quotation. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-18. The solicitation is issued under full and open competition. Any responsible contractor may submit a quotation. This is Total Small Business Set-Aside, Standard Industrial Classification Code 3523 with a corresponding size standard of 500 employees applies to qualify as a small business. Offerors are to propose prices for the following: CLIN (Contract Line Item Number) CLIN 0001: Four-Row Test Plot Planter mounted with a category 2 three-point hitch with plateless planter units and cone-type seeders and other necessary equipment for planting variable lengths research plots 1 each; ; CLIN 0002 Hydraulically Telescoping Toolbar 1 each; CLIN 0003 Heavy Duty Down Pressure Springs for each planter unit 4 each; CLIN 0004 2 Seat Personnel Carrier and 2 seed box holders; CLIN0005 Checkhead system for automatic dumping the seed cups on the cone-type seeders ; CLIN0006 Installation of Customer Provided DJM-1000 Harness for Monitor; CLIN0007 Keaton Seed Firmers Installed 4 each; CLIN0008 Discounts (if applicable); CLIN0009 Delivery and In-Field Orientation at Customer's Location 1 each. The salient characteristics the plot planter must meet or include are: The planter should be suitable for planting soybeans and should be adjustable to accommodate various row length and plant population requirements, must have large diameter double disk openers with internal scrapers, depth gauge wheels must be fully adjustable for accurate seeding depth; adjustable, spring-loaded closing wheels to provide better seed-to-soil contact than a single packing wheel; and a plateless drive system for more uniform seed planting. Depth gauge wheels must move independently to maintain uniform seeding depth even on a rough seed bed. Planter units should be equipped with cone seeders with electric seed cup lifts . Cone seeder units should be covered with a dome windshield to keep debris from falling into the cone seeders. Planter unit must be able to operate with a checkhead system to automatically dump the seed cups. There must be a time delay to hold the seed cups in the open position long enough to allow them to empty when filled to capacity. A platform on the planter must have 2 seats with arm rests; one seat between each pair of cone seeders. Each seat must have a holder for seed packets. The seed dividers that will feed the cone seeders are not requested. The electrical junction box controlling the seed cup lifts must have a remote foot switch that can be activated from one of the seats behind a cone seeder. Planter units should have down-pressure springs to keep the units from bouncing on rough seed beds, and devices that will hold them in the highest position to aid in loading and unloading from a trailer Planter must have hydraulic row markers that will automatically alternate.,Toolbar should be a 7" X 7" square tube that can telescope hydraulically to under 8 feet for transport, mounted with a category 2, three point hitch, and have two adjustable gauge wheels. Jack stands are required for support when it is removed from the tractor.. Offerors shall submit Descriptive Literature describing their proposed equipment in enough detail to ascertain whether the equipment meets the criteria listed above. Failure to demonstrate compliance will be cause to reject the proposal without further discussions. FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial, FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, and FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items apply to this acquisition. The above FAR clauses may be viewed at http://www.ARNet.gov/far/. Quotations will be evaluated on price, past performance, and proof of meeting the salient characteristics listed above. Offers must include completed FAR 52.212-3, a commercial warranty for equipment, and a list of at least four references to include name, address, phone number, and fax number. Payment will be made 30 calendar days after acceptance of delivered equipment will be shipped FOB Destination to: USDA-ARS-MWA. Quotation Price must include any freight or shipping and in-field orientation at customers location, as well as any applicable duties, brokerage, or customs fees. Delivery of equipment desired to be within 24 weeks after receipt of award (however delivery is negotiable). Offer must include a 30 calendar day acceptance period. Offers are to be received Not Later than the Close of Business, August 15, 2000 at USDA-ARS-MWA, Contracting Office, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604. The POC for this acquisition is Norma R. Cremeens, (309) 681-6616, or E-Mail: cremeenn@mwa.ars.usda.gov. or FAX: (309) 681-6680. Faxed Quotations will be accepted. Posted 07/14/00 (W-SN475105). (0196)

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