Instrument for the Determination of Dust and Trash in Cotton SamplesAG-7B31-S-07-0018 The USDA, ARS, MSA, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, Louisiana intends to procure an instrument for the determination of dust and trash in cotton samples. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items identified below, 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; bids are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation number AG-7B31-S-07-0018 is being issued as an Invitation for Bid. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-12. Offerors are to provide a bid for the following: Research Objectives: An instrument is required that is capable of removing trash and dust from a cotton sample and collecting them separately to permit the determination of both the trash and dust contents of the cotton test. Technical Specifications Required: 1) The instrument should be capable of handling samples of cotton weighs up to 100 grams. 2) The instrument should operate on the principle of a lickerin (takerin) of cotton card, in which a rapidly rotating roller with a saw tooth wire covering opens fibers proffered by a feed roller and plate. Trash falls to a collection chamber beneath the roller, while fibers are drawn to a condenser which collects the fibers pneumatically. The exhaust air passes through a filter that collects dust particles. 3) The instrument should permit the determination of non-lint content of cotton according to the ASTM standard D2812-95 (2002). All systems and components shall be provided with a one (1) year warranty from the date of installation. The warranty shall cover all system parts against manufacturing defect or failure during normal service. Warranty shall cover service labor and travel. Delivery of the unit by the instrument vendor must be within 30 days of award of contract. ALL RESPONSIBLE SOURCES MAY SUBMIT A BID FOR CONSIDERATION. Bid prices shall include all necessary labor, parts, materials, and transportation necessary to delivered FOB Destination a Instrument for the Determination of Dust and Trash in Cotton Samples to USDA, ARS, MSA, SRRC, New Orleans, La. This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.arnet.gov/far/. 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, FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statues or Executive Orders - Commercial Items apply to this acquisition. Offers are to include a 30 calendar day acceptance period. All bids are due by 2:00 (CST), August 31, 2007, at the USDA, ARS, MSA, SRRC, Acquisition Office, 1100 Robert E. Lee Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124 or via e-mail
[email protected].