Broadcast Seeder and Flail Harvester
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 conducting a Sources Sought market survey to identify qualified contractors for a 15 ft broadcast seeder and flail harvester. This market research aims to determine if adequate Small Business, SBA-certified HUBZone, Women-Owned, or Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) firms are available. The requirement is for new equipment to be delivered to Charlotte, VT. Responses are due by 12:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a new 15 ft broadcast seeder and a new 6 ft flail harvester. Broadcast Seeder Specifications:
- 15 ft width, suitable for cover crop and fertilizer application into standing crops.
- Hopper capacity for 10 acres at normal rates, capable of metering small and large seeds and fertilizer.
- 6, 30-inch rows; 18-22 cu ft stainless steel or non-corrosive hopper, under 48 inches height.
- Rapid cleanout mechanism, electronic metering drive with adjustable rate, pneumatic material delivery.
- Hydraulically powered (<18 GPM), 12 deflector plate-style material spreaders.
- Toolbar mounting: 15 ft, 5x7 or 7x7, Cat II/III, 3-point mount.
- Includes safety lights, load cell for application rates, calibration hopper, and platform for loading bagged materials. Flail Harvester Specifications:
- 6 ft working width, towed behind tractor, PTO driven (540 or 1000 RPM).
- Delivery chute for towed forage wagon (adjustable angle/direction) or bypass to leave material on ground.
- Hitch for towing forage wagon, hydraulically adjustable cut height (3-8 inches).
- At least 32 knives, under 2000 lb weight. Delivery is required to USDA-ARS, 1211 Ethan Allen Highway, Charlotte, VT 05445 within 15 days of award.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- NAICS: 333111 Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing (size standard 1,250 employees)
- Set-Aside: To be determined (potential Small Business, HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB)
- Response Due: April 30, 2026, 12:00 p.m. ET
- Published: April 21, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested vendors should submit a Capabilities Statement (not a proposal) demonstrating expertise and experience. Responses shall be no more than 10 pages and include:
- Organization Name, Contact Name, e-mail address, and phone number.
- Organization's UEI number.
- Business size status for the applicable NAICS code.
- A statement of interest in any forthcoming acquisition.
- A statement of capability to perform details of the requirement, including all SOW requirements.
- Country of origin of product. Submissions and questions should be sent to Katelyn Nelson at Katelyn.Nelson@usda.gov.
Additional Notes
This is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment by the Government. No contract will be awarded based on responses, and no payment will be made for preparation of information. The Government reserves the right to use nonproprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation.