Cotton Baler Maintenance
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is seeking quotations for Cotton Baler Maintenance services at its Florence, SC facility. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) for annual preventive maintenance and emergency repairs. This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotations are due April 28, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide comprehensive maintenance and repair services for USDA's Cotton Balers located at the Florence, SC USDA Classifying Facility. Key requirements include:
- Annual Preventive Maintenance: Thorough inspection and servicing of hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical/structural components, with detailed annual reports.
- Emergency Breakdown Repair Services: Rapid response to baler failures, requiring acknowledgment within 24 hours and on-site service within 24-36 hours of notification. A 24/7 emergency contact must be maintained.
- Parts Availability: Access to a reliable supply chain for baler parts, ensuring critical components can be obtained within a reasonable timeframe, with all parts traceable to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
- Documentation: Submission of detailed service reports within 48 hours of completing repairs.
Contract Details
- Type: Anticipated Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Blanket Purchasing Agreement (BPA).
- Period of Performance: Five (5) years, from April 27, 2026, to April 26, 2031.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- NAICS Code: 811310 (Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance), with a size standard of $12.5 Million.
- Place of Performance: 1725 Otis Way, Florence, SC 29501.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission: Quotations must include pricing for all individual line items to be considered responsive.
- Evaluation: Award will be based on a Best Value determination, considering:
- Technical Approach: Ability to meet schedule requirements, provide OEM parts, and explanation of any unaccomplished requirements.
- Price: Evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.
- Past Performance: Assessed based on prior contract performance, including quality, timeliness, cost control, and business relations.
- Offer Acceptance Period: 60 calendar days from the receipt date.
Key Dates & Contact
- Questions Due: April 7, 2026, 4:00 PM Central Time, via email.
- Quotations Due: April 28, 2026, 5:00 PM ET.
- Primary Contact: Jeremy A Pouliot, jeremy.pouliot@usda.gov, 612-336-3204.
Additional Notes
Bidders must comply with the Service Contract Act Wage Determination for South Carolina (Darlington, Florence Counties), which dictates minimum wage rates and fringe benefits. Offerors must provide a Certificate of Conformance (COC) in accordance with FAR clause 52.246-15.