Autonomous Robotic Mobile Platform (UGV) - Wooster, OH
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is soliciting quotes for an Autonomous Robotic Mobile Platform (UGV) for its facility in Wooster, OH. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under solicitation number 1232SA26Q0525. The acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotes are due by April 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for an Autonomous Robotic Mobile Platform (UGV) to support the USDA ARS FABE research program. Key technical specifications, detailed in "Attachment 1 - Specifications," include:
- Platform Configuration: Minimum 4-wheel configuration.
- Ground Clearance: At least 24 inches.
- Payload Capacity: Up to 800 lbs.
- Operating Width: No greater than 45 inches.
- Battery Life: Minimum 2-hour run time per battery.
- Delivery: The platform must be delivered to USDA ARS FABE, 1680 Madison Ave, Wooster, Ohio 44691, by June 1, 2026. Early deliveries are accepted.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 333998, 700 Employees)
- Anticipated Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price
- Period of Performance: Expected to be 4 weeks.
- Published Date: April 22, 2026
- Questions Due: April 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Time.
- Quote Submission Deadline: April 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
- Offer Acceptance Period: Quoters must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days.
Submission & Evaluation
- Questions: Submit via email to Jennifer Busbea at jennifer.busbea@usda.gov.
- Quote Submission: Submit via email only, as one document, to jennifer.busbea@usda.gov with the subject line "Quote for 1232SA26Q0525."
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the quoter representing the best value to the Government, based on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology.
- Price: Includes total quoted amount, discounts, shipping, and all line items.
- Technical Acceptability: Evaluated against salient characteristics in "Attachment 1 - Specifications" for an "acceptable" or "unacceptable" rating.
- Past Performance: Evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable, using CPARS and other sources.
Additional Notes
This solicitation incorporates numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses by reference. Quoters must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). The primary point of contact is Jennifer Busbea (jennifer.busbea@usda.gov, 970-851-3746).