New Bale Press and Conveyor System with Scissor Lift-Tilt Table for the USDA, AMS, Cotton & Tobacco Program Memphis, TN Cotton Classing Office

Specifications

This document outlines the specifications for the delivery and installation of a new full-eject bale press and automated conveyor system for the USDA, AMS, Cotton & Tobacco Program in Memphis, TN. The scope includes disassembling and removing the existing bale press and providing a minimum one-year warranty for the new system. The contractor must furnish all labor, materials, and transportation for removal and installation, to be completed within six months of award.

• Bale Press: Full-eject type, 54"x24" box dimensions, capable of producing bales of 36" thickness and minimum 480 lbs weight. Must use six 10'3” steel ties and comply with National Cotton Council requirements. Requires 460 volt 3-phase electrical. Controls must interlock with the existing conveyor and be PLC-controlled for automatic sequencing. Exterior must be powder-coated or painted industrial enamel.

• Automated Conveyor System: Replace the current system with a more durable conveyor equipped with bale weighing capabilities at a height of 28". May include optional motorized power rollers. Control box must feature an independent PLC with E-stop, manual/auto modes, start, and on/off functions.

• Scissor Lift-Tilt Table (Optional): Vendors must provide a technical approach for this optional item. It must lift to 28", tilt to 90 degrees, and handle bales up to 500 lbs. Includes E-stop and control functions.

• Period of Performance: Installation to be completed within six (6) months of the date of award.

• Warranty: Minimum one (1) year full-service warranty covering parts, labor, and supplies.

• Vendors must provide complete technical solutions for the system with and without the optional scissor lift-tilt table.

• Not specified in this document.

• The existing bale press is located at 3275 Appling Rd Memphis, TN 38133.

• Modifications to existing building structures require approval by USDA engineering.

• Contractor must provide start-up and training within two weeks of notice.

• A punch list must be developed and satisfied before final acceptance.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The USDA, AMS, Cotton Program requires the removal of an existing bale press and the delivery and installation of a new full eject bale press and automated conveyor system with a scissor lift-tilt table at the Memphis Classing Office. Quotes are also requested for disassembling and removing the existing bale press.

• Removal of the existing bale press.

• Delivery and installation of a new full eject bale press and automated conveyor system with a scissor lift-tilt table.

• On-going maintenance service for the new system.

• The new system must be installed and ready for operation no later than six (6) months after the date of award.

• Technical data and supporting documentation are available.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm Fixed-Price.

• Delivery period: Six (6) months from the date of award.

• Estimated award date: February 2026.

• Evaluation Criteria: 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: Must include a Technical Approach Narrative (max 10 pages) detailing the system and scope of services, a milestone chart, and drawings/manuals for the new system components.

• Price: Vendors must use Attachment 3 - Vendor Quotation Form. Prices must be held firm for 90 calendar days.

• Past Performance: Vendors must use Attachment 4 - Vendor Experience and Past Performance Sheet, including 2-5 references from the past five years.

• Questions: Due no later than January 20, 2026, 12:00 PM Central Time, via email to Matthew.Phillips3@usda.gov.

• This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Applicable NAICS Code: 333111.

• Small business size standard: 1250 employees.

• Offerors are not required to meet a qualification requirement to be eligible for award.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference, accessible at www.acquisition.gov.

• Applicable attachments include: Solicitation Terms and Conditions, Specifications, Vendor Quotation Form, Vendor Experience and Past Performance Sheet, Provision FAR 52.225-18 Place of Manufacture, Photographs, Drawings, and Questions and Answers from a Previous Solicitation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 4 - Vendor Experience and Past Performance Sheet," is a form provided to assist vendors in detailing their relevant experience and past performance for the opportunity. Bidders are expected to complete this sheet as part of their proposal submission.

• Contract Identification: Requires details such as Contractor Name, Contract Number, Contractor Role (Prime, Subcontractor, Joint Venture), Dates of Contract Performance, CPARS completion status (if applicable), Address of performance, and Total Contract Value.
• Contract Requirements: A section to describe the requirements of the referenced contract, including any special or unique aspects, and to briefly outline any problems encountered and their resolutions.
• Customer Identification: Requires Name, Title, Agency/Company, Address, Telephone, and E-mail of the customer for the referenced contract.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to demonstrate their qualifications and track record. Completing this form accurately and thoroughly will allow the government to assess the bidder's experience and past performance, which is likely a significant factor in the evaluation of proposals for Solicitation 12639526Q0018.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a provision (FAR 52.225-18) regarding the Place of Manufacture. It requires vendors to indicate the predominant place of manufacture for end products offered in response to the solicitation for statistical purposes.

• Definitions: Defines "Manufactured end product" and "Place of manufacture."
• Applicable Product Codes: Lists specific Product and Service Codes (PSCs) and Product/Service Groups (PSGs) that are excluded from the definition of "Manufactured end product."
• Vendor Action Required: Vendors must check one of two boxes to indicate if the place of manufacture for their offered end products is predominantly:
  1. In the United States (if the total anticipated price of U.S.-manufactured products exceeds that of non-U.S. manufactured products).
  2. Outside the United States.

Vendors must complete and submit this provision as part of their quotation. Failure to do so may result in non-compliance. The information provided helps the government track the origin of manufactured goods for statistical purposes.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides questions and answers from a previous solicitation (Solicitation 12639525Q016) that remain relevant to the current solicitation for informational purposes. It clarifies details regarding the existing baler and associated equipment.

• Existing Baler Make/Model: Continental Air/Serial #1631 24x54.
• Baler Issues: The existing baler experiences frequent breakdowns, hydraulic failures, wear and tear, jams, and inconsistent bale density. Parts are difficult to obtain, leading to extended downtime. Refurbishment is not an option as the manufacturer is out of business, though a parts/refurbishment business exists.
• Lead Times: The earliest lead times for new balers are 14-16 weeks.
• Photos/Drawings: Photos are included in the solicitation.
• Conveyor Operation: The conveyor will be automated but requires operator control for starting and stopping upon bale ejection.
• Lift/Tilt Table Control: The operator will control the lift/tilt table functions.
• Control Panel Location: Preferred location is floor-mounted next to the conveyor or baler.
• Electrical Service: Existing service size is sufficient for a new baler, conveyor, and lift/tilt table (460V, 3-Phase, 60 Hertz, not exceeding 77 full load amps). Existing service is available in the Baler room.
• External Power/Conduit: Existing power and conduit are available for external conveyor and lift/tilt table connections.
• Preferred Baler Type: A Full Eject Baler is preferred.

This Q&A document provides critical details about the existing equipment, operational requirements, and technical specifications that bidders should consider when preparing their proposals. It clarifies potential issues with the current baler and confirms the adequacy of existing electrical infrastructure.