Seed Sorter

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), has a requirement for a Seed Sorter. 2020-SS54 GENERAL INFORMATION Salient Characteristics Easy clean out of remnant seed after counting of seed lot is complete without removing a bowl or part of machine. Side discard of remnant seed that is fast and efficient. Clearly defined seed loading chamber to allow for ease of loading adequate amount of source seed and not overload machine. Quiet operation. Most seed counters are vibration bowl based technology which generates noise level high enough to advise hearing protection during operation. Seed counter not based on vibration technology preferred to improve worker noise exposure. Bar code scanning capability to verify correct seed identity and seed counts in each packet. Unit must be compatible with the Aztec barcode system currently used by the GEM Project as generated through Bartender or Prism software packages. Current seed counter uses the Aztec barcode system but does not function reliably. Scanning system that is a camera based, smart barcode reader compatible with multiple bar code types (Aztec, Data Matrix, and QR) and able to learn new systems is needed. Advanced barcode system meets our current needs and can adapt to changes in the future. Carousel to allow counting multiple packets for same seed source. Reduces repetitive motion pattern for operator and reduces potential for errors. Carousel unit to allow each packet to be bar code scanned and capable of handling 1 to 10+ packets of any entry. Self-contained unit that does not require link to laptop or pad computer to operate with full functionality. This reduces cost of operation and seed lab space needed to operate. Space needed for unit must be compatible with current GEM seed lab workstations. Seed counting workstations allow for a 30” x 36” work bench space for each seed counter. Our current seed counters use most of the assigned space. Selected model must need no more that the current models. This allows for better workspace utilization and distancing of employees within the GEM seed lab. Access to proven service of unit after purchase. The purpose of this sources sought is to inquire if there are vendors available to provide the above service. The NAICS Code is 333111, with a size standard of 1250 emp. In response to this sources sought please submit information on your company's capabilities to provide this type of product. Please also provide information on whether your company is the manufacturer or a distributor and a small or large business in accordance with the NAICS code listed in this sources sought. The Government acknowledges that responses to this sources sought are not binding offers. The information obtained will assist in our market research and future solicitation processes. The purpose of this sources sought is solely to obtain information and sources for our future requirement. Please send responses to [email protected] Sources Sought are due by, April 17, 2020 at 10:00 AM CST.