Row Crop Planter
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 Agriculture Research Service (ARS) has issued a Pre-solicitation Notice for a Row Crop Planter to be used in Charlotte, VT. This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 333111 (Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing). The purpose is to identify potential sources for a flexible planter for research plots and small production fields. Responses to this pre-solicitation are due by January 30, 2026, at 1:00 pm Mountain Standard Time.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a row-crop planter designed for planting multiple kinds of row crops. Key specifications include:
- Flexibility: Must quickly change crops, varieties, and populations.
- Monitoring: Include row-unit monitoring for blockages, singulation, and populations.
- Durability: Units and openers must operate effectively in heavy, wet, and stony soils with varying tillage and moderate residue.
- Configuration: Split row configuration (6 rows at 30 inches OR 11-13 rows at 15 inches spacing).
- Mounting: 3-point mount or drawn.
- Hoppers: 2 bushel or smaller individual unit hoppers, removable without tools.
- Drive: Electronic or mechanical drive; no row markers.
- Accuracy: Singulation accuracy of at least 98%.
- Applications: Provisions for liquid fertilizer (tank can be tractor-mounted) and optional granular chemical application.
- Control: ISOBUS and universal terminal compatible monitoring and control, including unit-level shutoff.
- Maintenance: Covered chain drives and sprockets; minimum maintenance options preferred.
- Service: New equipment requires a one-year warranty and option for extended service. Used equipment must be in good working order with at least 50% life remaining on wear parts and dealer-supported within 35 miles of Shelburne, Vermont.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Pre-solicitation (not a request for quotes)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business
- NAICS: 333111 - Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,250 employees)
- Anticipated Award Date: March 2026
- Pre-solicitation Response Due: January 30, 2026, 1:00 pm MST
- Published Date: January 14, 2026
Evaluation
Quotes, when solicited, will be evaluated based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable criteria. The Government anticipates soliciting quotes from at least three sources.
Additional Notes
This is a pre-solicitation notice for market research; the Government will not pay for response preparation. Respondents should include a synopsis of capabilities (limit 5 pages), UEI Number, Company Name, Address, Business size (validated via SAM), points of contact, and past work experience. Electronic files must be in Microsoft Office Word or PDF format and be UNCLASSIFIED. Vendors must be active and registered in SAM.gov. Responses should be emailed to frank.palmer@usda.gov.