Alfalfa Harvesting

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items for Alfalfa Harvesting services. It constitutes the only solicitation, and no separate written solicitation will be issued. The acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• The primary requirement is for Alfalfa Harvesting services as detailed in the attached Statement of Work (Attachment 2).

• Services include Alfalfa mowing, chopping, merging, and storage harvesting for 1,550 acres, and Haylage bagging of 1,000 feet.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-fixed price.

• Period of Performance: One (1) one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods, not to exceed five (5) years and 6 months in total duration.

• The government intends to make one award.

• Quotes are due no later than 9:00 am Mountain Time on Monday, February 2, 2026.

• Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to frank.palmer@usda.gov.

• The final day for question submission is 9:00 am Mountain Time on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

• Evaluation will be based on Best Value, considering technical capabilities, past performance, and price.

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• The small business size standard is $13.5 million.

• Vendors must be active and registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quote submission and award.

• Applicable clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference (FAR and AGAR).

• Payment will be made utilizing the Department of the Treasury Invoice Processing Platform (IPP.gov).

• Offerors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To procure alfalfa mowing, chopping, merging, and storage harvesting services for the USDA-Dairy Forage Research Farm.

• Services include four annual cuttings of alfalfa, covering approximately 386 acres per cutting, totaling up to 1,550 acres.

• Services also include haylage bagging, with an estimated 1,000 feet split between two cuttings (or 500 feet each).

• The specific schedule is contingent on weather and crop conditions.

• The quantity of harvested forage will be determined by the number of acres harvested and, for bagged haylage, by the foot.

• 1st Cut (Approx. May 17th-25th): 386 acres, stored in a forage bunker. Requires mowing, chopping, merging, one large packing tractor, and 3 forage trucks/wagons.

• 2nd Cut (Approx. June 17th-25th): 386 acres (including 100 acres of spring-seeded alfalfa), stored in forage bunkers. Requires mowing, chopping, merging, one large packing tractor (2 days), and 3 forage trucks/wagons (2 days).

• 3rd Cut (Approx. July 17th-25th): 386 acres, stored in a 12ft ag bag. Requires mowing, chopping, merging, a self-powered 12' forage bagger, and 3 forage trucks/wagons (2 days).

• 4th Cut (Approx. August 17th-25th): 386 acres, stored in an ag bag. Requires mowing, chopping, merging, a self-powered 12' forage bagger, and 3 forage trucks/wagons.

• Base Year: 05/1/2026 - 04/30/2027

• Optional Years: Four additional one-year options, plus an optional 6-month extension.

• Location: USDA-ARS land within the Badger property in Prairie du Sac, WI.

• Equipment: Vendor must supply all necessary equipment, including a 12 ft self-propelled bagger for ag bag storage. Vendor must also supply their own diesel fuel.

• Personnel: Personnel must have previous experience harvesting alfalfa and be trained/certified to use farm equipment.

• Weighing: All chopped alfalfa loads must be weighed on the farm's scale. Weight recording sheets will be provided, or vendors may use automatic digital weigh wagons.

• Government Furnished: USDA will provide and install oxygen-limiting plastics for bunkers and bunker covers. USDA will also provide silage bags for crops stored in 12ft bags.

• Security: No security clearance is required. Vendor personnel must check in and out daily with USDA staff.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division, under the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing work on a federal contract within specific geographic areas.

• Wage Determination Number: 2015-4927, Revision No.: 31
• Revision Date: 12/03/2025
• Applicable Area: Wisconsin Counties of Dodge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Sauk
• Occupational Listings: Provides a comprehensive list of job titles (e.g., Accounting Clerk, Administrative Assistant, Automotive Mechanic, Electrician, Nurse, Computer Programmer, Firefighter) with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and required fringe benefits.
• Executive Orders: Includes notes on Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage), outlining contractor obligations and minimum wage requirements.
• Conformance Process: Details the procedure for classifying and determining wage rates for occupations not explicitly listed in the determination.

This document is crucial for bidders responding to solicitations that incorporate the Service Contract Act. It dictates the minimum labor costs that must be factored into proposals for covered contracts. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these requirements for all listed occupations to ensure compliance and accurate cost estimation.