Autonomous Liquid Dairy Manure Applicator

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of an "Autonomous Liquid Dairy Manure Applicator, Environmentally Integrated Dairy" for the Marshfield Research Unit in Stratford, WI. The purpose is to acquire this specific piece of equipment.

• The primary deliverable is one (1) Autonomous Liquid Dairy Manure Applicator.

• Period of Performance: May 11, 2026, to October 30, 2026.

• Delivery Date: October 30, 2026.

• Offer Due Date: May 08, 2026, at 1700 ET.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-4 by reference, with 52.212-5 also attached.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 333111, with a size standard of 1,250 employees.

• The acquisition is set aside 100.00% for Small Business.

• The issuing office is USDA ARS SEA AAO ACQ/PER PROP, located in College Station, TX.

• Contact for solicitation information is Lynn Hults at 912-464-9723.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation criteria for a brand name procurement, specifically for items manufactured by John Deere. It details how quotes will be assessed to determine the best value for the Government, replacing the standard FAR 52.212-2 provision with evaluation based on FAR 12.203.

• Technical Acceptability: Vendors must provide the exact brand name, make, and model number specified for each listed John Deere item. Alternate, substitute, or "equal" products will not be considered. Sufficient documentation (e.g., manufacturer quote, datasheet) is required to confirm the quoted product is the exact item requested. Products must be new and meet delivery requirements.

• Price: Quotes must include pricing for the base period and all option periods. Failure to do so may result in disqualification. Pricing will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

• Past Performance: The Government will assess past performance using contractor references, USDA contract history, CPARS, and other federal sources. Ratings will be "Acceptable," "Neutral" (no record), or "Unacceptable" (documented history of failure).

• Evaluation Method: The Government will evaluate only the lowest priced quote for Technical Capability and Past Performance. If the lowest priced quote is not acceptable, the process continues with the next lowest priced quote until a technically acceptable quote with acceptable or neutral past performance is identified.

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

• A detailed list of required John Deere items, including part numbers and nomenclature, is provided within the document.

• The evaluation process prioritizes lowest price among technically acceptable and past-performant offers.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for the Procurement of an Autonomous Liquid Dairy Manure Applicator. The acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Procurement of an Autonomous Liquid Dairy Manure Applicator.

• Compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses and Provisions.

• Specific clauses incorporated by reference and those applicable if checked are detailed, including those related to commercial products/services, whistleblower rights, combating trafficking in persons, system for award management, prohibition on contracting with inverted domestic corporations, equal opportunity for veterans and workers with disabilities, sustainable products, trade agreements, and payment by electronic funds transfer.

• AGAR clauses cover Anti-Discrimination and DEI Compliance, Delivery Instructions, Advance Shipment Notice, Regulatory Requirements for Commodities and Packaging, Commodity/Packaging Labeling, Compensation for Delays, Unitization, U.S. Origin Products, Manufacturing Practices, FDA Food Facility Registration, Loading/Blocking/Bracing, and Seals on Transportation Conveyances.

• Anticipated award type: Firm Fixed-Priced Contract.

• The Government intends to make one award.

• Quotes will be evaluated based on Technical Approach, Price, and Past Performance.

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

• Technical Approach: Evaluates the ability to meet schedule requirements and understanding of the SOW.

• Price: Must be fair and reasonable; pricing for all items is required.

• Past Performance: Assessed as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable.

• Award criteria: Highest technically rated quote with a fair and reasonable price and acceptable or neutral past performance.

• Period for acceptance of offers: 90 calendar days.

• Questions due: May 08, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Time via email to lynn.hults@usda.gov.

• Set-aside for small business concerns.

• NAICS Code: 333111

• Small business size standard: 1,250 Employees.

• Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• F.o.b. destination is requested.

• Shipping Instructions: Items shall be shipped to 208356 Drake Avenue, Stratford, WI 54484.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Agency protests should first be directed to the Contracting Officer, with an option to escalate to the USDA Ombudsman Program.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the specifications for an automated precision liquid manure application system required for the Marshfield Agricultural Research Station.

• System Components: Frame and base systems, 120-inch wheel track, 30-inch row booms, electric ball valve, 1500-ft hose coil, manure application bucket (12 outlets), 900MHz and cell kit with SIM card, planter tower kit (John Deere 7000 SERIES compatible), injection skid base, manure impeller booster, upgraded communications, and a fertilizer pump (30 GPH).
• Ancillary Items: Pontoon, existing well pump (10-15HP) compatibility, manure plumbing, plumbing and stainless hardware for skid and pump, 3-inch ANSI to 6-inch layflat adapters, manure pump, and 6-inch layflat hose.
• Services: Setup and installation, 1 year of technical support, on-site training, 1-year technical service and warranty, with a commitment to timely service for research trials.

This specification document details the exact requirements for the liquid manure application system. Bidders must ensure their proposed system meets or exceeds all listed minimum requirements, including specific components, quantities, and performance aspects. The delivery location is the Marshfield Agricultural Research Station, Stratford, WI, with a delivery schedule for Summer 2026. The point of contact for delivery will be identified after contract award.