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; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is 12805B20Q0210 and is issued as a request for quotes (RFQ). The NAICS code is 115116. This solicitation document incorporates those provisions and clauses in eô€ƒect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2020-08.This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR subpart 12.6, as upplemented with additional information included in this notice.

The Agricultural Research Services Divison of the USDA is interested in the purchase of one Checchi & Magli 2 Row Trium Transporter or equivalent with the following specifications:

1. A  2-row transplanter capable of:
   1. No-till planting into research plots.
   2. Simultaneously setting, packing, and watering perennial grass seedlings.
   3. Planting various root ball sizes without adjustment.
2. Must be capable of planting 2-row plots in 42” rows and 42” plant spacing within rows.
3. Plant placement must be precise to facilitate later tilling in both directions.
4. Must be able to seed in differing row lengths.
5. Must be compatible with a three-point hitch.
6. Must be easily attached to existing tractor and easily detached.
7. Must provide a safe work platform.
8. Must be able to water seedlings during transplanting.
9. Must provide tray racks to facilitate seedling deliver.

Justification: The perennial grass breeding project has been transplanting seedlings each year for nearly 85 years. We currently plant thousands of seedlings each year manually by measuring fields into a grid, laying out planter chains to develop a checkerboard planting pattern with plants spaced on 42” centers, digging a hole for each seedling every 42”, carrying trays filled with seedlings down each row, removing seedlings from a seedling container, dropping one seed in each hole, closing the hole, then returning later with a water wagon to water each seedling. Developing microplots every 42” on center is necessary for repeatable and consistent plant material evaluation. This planting process is physically demanding, labor intensive, typically requires nearly one month to complete all transplanting, but is necessary to plant precisely to facilitate tilling in both directions to develop evenly spaced microplots to consistently evaluate plant material. A commercial transplanter can complete each of these steps in a single pass. A commercial transplanter capable of precision planting seedlings in 42” rows every 42” will reduce the physical demands, reduce labor requirements, improve efficiency, and reduce the time required to transplant dramatically. Seedling transplanters exist but few are capable of maintaining plants in a consistent 42” plant spacing grid that facilitates tillage for weed control in both directions. We have a Holland Transplanter that works well for transplanting seedling in rows but lacks the precision to create the 42” x 42” planting grid that facilitates tillage in both directions, thereby limiting our ability to develop evenly spaced microplots for repeatable and consistent evaluation. Our breeding operation requires testing numerous plants from numerous populations (in the thousands) to capture the existing variation and exploit it to develop new cultivars.

The C&M TRIUM 2-row no-till transplanter with rigid cutting disc, equipped with a watering device, a 79-gallon water tank, and horizontal tray racks meets these specifications.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED IN QUOTE: In order to be considered for award offerors shall provide 1) a Quote on company letterhead detailing the item description, unit price per item, descriptive literature and specifications, total
price and valid for at least 60 days after receipt of quote; 2) fill out applicable sections of the attached SF-18 and return and 3) FAR 52.212-3, OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATION-COMMERCIAL ITEMS; The Representation and Certification section must be completed electronically in the System for Award Management {SAM) website at www.sam.gov.
REJECTION OF QUOTE: Failure to demonstrate compliance will be caused to reject the quote without further discussions. All responsible sources may submit an offer and will be considered.

PAYMENT: Any award made under this solicitation is subject to 31 CFR Part 208 which requires all payments made by the government to be made by electronic funds transfer. Contractors intending to conduct business with the Federal
Government MUST register with the System for Award Management (SAM)database prior to submitting quotation. You may register on line at www.sam.gov.

The government anticipates award of a firm fixed priced contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforms to the specifications that will be the most advantageous to the government in
accordance with FAR 13.106-2. Responses shall include technical specifications, descriptive material and capabilities of the offeror's equipment. Offerors shall identity where the offered item meets or does not meet each of the Government's functional and performance minimum specifications listed herein. All sources wishing to furnish a request for quote need to submit it by 4:00 PM Central Time on September 18, 2020. Quotes are to be addressed to James Porter, Contract Specialist, and e-mailed to: [email protected]. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Contracting Officer by email.