36--30 HIGH VOLUME CLASSING INSTRUMENT (HVI) SYSTEMSSto provide measurements of the physical properties of cotton fibers

THE PURPOSE OF THIS AMENDMENT IS TO EXTEND THE RESPONSE TIME FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS TO JANUARY 9, 2007 AT 11:00 AM CENTRAL TIME. ALL OTHER SOLICITATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS REMAIN UNCHANGED. A REVISED REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL IS BEING POSTED TO THIS WEBSITE WITH THE CORRECTED DUE DATE:*********************************************************The USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Cotton Program in Memphis, TN intends to procure 30 High Volume Instrument (HVI) Cotton Classing Systems. The HVI Systems shall provide measurements of the physical properties of cotton fibers including fiber length, fiber mean length, fiber length uniformity index, short fiber index, 1/8-inch gage fiber strength, micronaire reading, fiber color in reflectance and yellowness, and trashmeter percent area of trash and particle count and leaf grade and moisture content. This procurement will include a maintenance agreement for five years with options for three additional years. This will be a best value non-commercial procurement. It is anticipated that the formal solicitation, Request for Proposal (RFP) AG-6395-S-07-0001, will be released on or about October 20, 2006 and posted on this FEDBIZOPPS website. Please download the RFP from this website. All responsible offerors may submit an offer. NOTIFICATIONS WILL NOT BE SENT TO OFFERORS REGARDING THE ISSUANCE OF THE SOLICITATION NOR ANY OF ITS AMENDMENTS. IT IS THE OFFEROR?S RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THIS WEB SITE. Any questions or inquiries must be mailed, e-mailed or faxed to the Contracting Office, to the attention of the point of contact listed in this notice. Requests by telephone will not be honored. Point of contact: Larry Nelson, Contracting Specialist, (612) 336-3225, FAX: (612) 370-2106, E-mail: [email protected]