This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation number 12561520Q0044 is issued as a request for quote (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2020-08. This solicitation will be a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside. The associated NAICS code is 333111, Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing with a small business size standard of 1,250 employees and the PSC is 3730. The Department of Agriculture (ARS) has the need for the following products: 001) Manure Solids Separator (AL-INS MS10 Separator, Fan PSS 1.2-780 Separator, or Equivalent) 002) Control Panel (PanelTek or Equivalent) Scope of Work : The USDA-ARS Marshfield Ag Research Station is requesting quotes for a Manure Solids Separator (AL-INS MS10 Separator, Fan PSS 1.2-780 Separator, or Equivalent). An additional manure solids separator is needed to work in series or parallel with the existing (dated) model, to improve capacity and throughput at the USDA-ARS EIDMRU in Marshfield, WI. Background : The Marshfield USDA-ARS EIDMRU and University of Wisconsin Marshfield Agricultural Research Station currently house about 500 dairy heifers and 125 lactating cows. Manure generated from the lactating cows and large heifers is directed mechanically to a common receiving pit, and then run through a screen-press system (model PSS1.2-520; FAN Separator Gesellschaft, Marktschorgast, Germany) to remove organic solids. These organic manure solids are used as bedding on top of free-stall mattresses for large dairy heifers. The existing unit, while state-of-the-art in 2009, is now dated and does not always generate solids at a desirable rate. We are seeking another organic solids separator to operate in series or parallel with the existing unit in order to increase capacity, and ensure continuous service should one unit need repairs. Dairy research operations at the USDA-ARS/University of Wisconsin Marshfield Agricultural Research Station typically include 500 replacement dairy heifers and 125 lactating cows. The solids separator is a critical component of the overall manure system, and the recovered solids are also used as bedding in freestall-housing for replacement heifers. As a result, there is considerable urgency with respect to available service on the separator. Under normal circumstances, and needed repairs or service (warranty or otherwise) would be expected to be completed within 48 hours. Failure to do so jeopardizes farm operation and adherence to animal care standards, which is unacceptable to the research station. Additionally, the previous configuration of the manure system utilized sand bedding in free-stalls for lactating cows, but this practice has been discontinued (sand is no longer used) because the manure system remained problematic and unreliable after more than 10 years of efforts to adapt the original system to operate as designed. Since sand has been removed from the system permanently, Marshfield USDA-ARS no longer needs the screw-type sand separator (McLanahan Corp., Holidaysburg, PA) previously in use. We are offering the sand separator (Model #S209 A20 X; Project #20075067) as a trade-in as part of this procurement (see attachments for images). Technical Requirements/Tasks : The new organic solids separator is not intended to replace the existing unit, but rather, to function as an additional unit (in series or parallel) to provide greater capacity and ensure continuous service should one unit need repairs. General specifications should be consistent with the MS10 model offered by AL-INS, the Fan PSS 1.2-780, or equivalent. Manure will enter the separator in raw form as a slurry, and then should be pressed outward through a stainless steel screen, thereby reducing the moisture concentration in the solids by up to 65%. Screen openings range between 0.01 and 1.0 mm. Trade-In: The USDA-ARS is offering as trade-in a McClanahan sand separator (Model #S209 A20 X; Project #20075067). Due to a recent reconfiguration of the manure system, sand is no longer used as bedding for lactating cows, and the sand separator is no longer needed. As such, serious consideration of trade-in within this request for bids will be an important factor in any award. Key Deliverables: Manure Solids Separator (AL-INS MS10 Separator, Fan PSS 1.2-780 Separator, or Equivalent) Control Panel (PanelTek or Equivalent) Optional Sand Separator Trade in Value Installation Note (1): Any additional equipment, such as platforms for the new unit, electrical wiring costs, etc., should be itemized and included in the proposal. Note (2): For all quotes that are submitted, the determination of award will NOT be based solely on the lowest quoted price. Determining factors in determining the award will be: i) meeting the product specs outlined in the technical requirement and key deliverable sections of the solicitation; ii) trade-in on sand separator; iii) price; iv) prompt service capability (response within 48 hours); and v) past performance. Travel: Any travel associated with installation of the solid’s separator is the responsibility of the vendor. Contractor’s Key Personnel: Vendor’s personnel should be trained and certified to perform any electrical or other work required for installation of the unit. Security Requirements: Installation should be completed during regular business hours (7:00 am to 4:00 pm), Monday through Friday. Delivery: The solids separator will need to be delivered, installed, and fully functioning at to the Marshfield Ag Research Station, 208356 Drake Ave, Stratford, WI 54484 by or before December 1, 2020. The vendor shall provide all items F.O.B: destination. Location of the Government site is aboard USDA-ARS Madison, WI and will be identified in the contract. The Government anticipates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract. Submitting a Quote: To be eligible for an award, all contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with a current and active registration. A contractor can contact SAM by calling 1-866-606-8220 or e-mail at www.sam.gov. NO EXCEPTIONS. A DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet) number is required in order to register. Vendor must also include their DUNS# on their quote. The submission and payment of invoices on the resulting contract will be made through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). As such, vendors must be currently registered or register in IPP in order to be able to submit and receive payment on invoices for the resulting contract. Offerors responding to this announcement shall submit their quote on SF-18 (see attached). The quote should include all fees, delivery charges, and/or surcharges. This will be a tax-exempt purchase. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Please email all quotes in writing on the SF-18 to
[email protected] by no later than Monday, August 10, 2020 at 12:00 PM Central Standard Time . Questions in regards to this combined synopsis/solicitation must be submitted through email and are due no later than 3:00 PM CST on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. Answers to any questions received by that time will be posted as an amendment to this combined synopsis/solicitation.