New Bale Press and Conveyor System with Scissor Lift-Tilt Table for the USDA, AMS, Cotton & Tobacco Program Memphis, TN Cotton Classing Office
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, AMS, Cotton Program is soliciting quotations (RFQ 12639526Q0018) for the removal of an existing bale press and the delivery and installation of a new full eject bale press and automated conveyor system at its Memphis, TN Cotton Classing Office. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.
Scope of Work
The contractor will be responsible for disassembling and removing the current bale press, and then supplying and installing a new full-eject bale press and an automated conveyor system. An optional scissor lift-tilt table is also part of the requirement, for which vendors must provide a technical approach. The new system must include a minimum one-year full-service warranty. Installation and removal must be completed within six months of the award date.
Key Requirements
- Bale Press: Full-eject type, 54"x24" box, 36" bale thickness, minimum 480 lbs, utilizing six 10'3" steel ties (mandatory). Requires 460V 3-phase electrical input, PLC-controlled for automated sequencing, and interlocks with the conveyor system. Exterior metal must be powder-coated or painted.
- Automated Conveyor System: Durable system with bale weighing capabilities at 28" height, replacing the current unload conveyor. May include optional motorized power rollers and an independent PLC control box.
- Optional Scissor Lift-Tilt Table: Must lift to 28", tilt to 90 degrees, and handle bales up to 500 lbs, with E-stop and control panel.
- Installation: Includes disassembly/removal of old equipment, installation of new systems with safety railings, and potential modifications to existing chutes (subject to USDA approval).
- Training: Contractor must provide start-up and training within two weeks of notice.
- Warranty: Minimum one (1) year full-service warranty covering parts, labor, and supplies.
Contract Details & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 333111, Size Standard 1250 employees).
- Period of Performance: Installation within six (6) months of award.
- Estimated Award Date: February 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
Award will be made to the offeror with the highest technically rated quotation with fair and reasonable pricing and acceptable or neutral past performance; tradeoffs will not be conducted.
- Technical Approach: Narrative (max 10 pages), milestone chart, drawings/manuals.
- Price: Use Attachment 3 - Vendor Quotation Form; prices firm for 90 days.
- Past Performance: Use Attachment 4 - Vendor Experience and Past Performance Sheet (2-5 references from past 5 years).
- Place of Manufacture: Complete Attachment 5 - FAR 52.225-18.
Important Dates & Contacts
- Quotation Due Date: February 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST.
- Virtual Pre-Quote Conference: Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. CST. Contact Matthew.Phillips3@usda.gov for the link.
- Optional Site Visit (Rescheduled): Monday, February 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CT at 3275 Appling Rd., Memphis, TN 38133. RSVP to geremy.moore@usda.gov.
- Questions Due: January 20, 2026, 12:00 PM CT (Note: Later amendments have provided additional Q&A).
- Submission: Email quotations to Contract Specialist Matthew Phillips (matthew.phillips3@usda.gov).