Government Responses to RFI Questions.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- 1232SA26Q0259
About this file
This is a Government Responses to RFI Questions document addressing inquiries from a vendor regarding a corn silage baler procurement for the USDA.
The government clarified five key areas of the solicitation. Regarding bale specifications, the government accepts manufacturer recommendations for adjustable bale sizes (22" to 28") to optimize compaction, acknowledging that bale weight of approximately 200 lbs is achievable but dependent on feedstock moisture content and compaction targets. For equipment delivery, the government will not accept a demonstration unit but confirmed flexibility on the August 1, 2026 deadline as a negotiable target date, with the requirement that personnel receive full training on the actual purchased equipment. The government deferred to manufacturer recommendations for plastic wrap specifications (narrow and wide) and requested quotes include plastic sufficient for approximately 500-600 bales annually, noting that actual bale production quantities will depend on research studies to be conducted on various forage types including alfalfa, grass, corn silage, cover crops, and alternative plant materials. The final clarification confirmed that equipment delivery must occur at the Dairy Forage Research farm in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, rather than the Madison Linden Drive office location. The document does not specify pricing terms, response dates, or award dates.
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Government Responses to RFI Questions
1. Our model Flex baler will make a bale as small as 22". The statement asks for a 2 x 2. Preferably, the bales would be 28" x 28" for maximum compaction and silage preservation. Are you open to allowing us to adjust the baler to several sizes when we train the research personnel? We can gladly set the machine to spec, but the versatility will allow better compaction.
Response: Yes, that is acceptable. The intent is to make a small sized bale.
2. Our Flex baler will make bales of corn silage, however, the weight of the initial feedstock may limit our ability to achieve the target weight required in the Statement of Work. 200 lbs is achievable depending on the weight, compaction target and moisture of the feedstock. Essentially, we can make adjustments to get the machine to come as close as possible to this weight, however, if the feedstock is too wet, it is unattainable.
Response: Yes, we agree. The weight of the bale is dependent heavily on compaction target and moisture level.
The intent is to make a small bale.
3. Would you be open to receiving a baler we use for Demo's (not new) in early Summer that would be the same as your new machine until the machine is finished being manufactured? This would be at no cost to USDA and would allow your team time to use the machine prior to corn silage season? Depending on when this machine is ordered, we would not have a machine available until late 2026 and may miss the 8/1/26 deadline. Is this an acceptable solution?
Response: We cannot receive a demo. The 8/1/2026 deadline is negotiable. This is a target date. I'm open to seeing a demo, but we (our group) would still need to be fully trained on the actual purchased equipment (not the demo).
4. In Section 5.0, in the Deliverables Section, it mentions plastic as part of the RFQ. Can you please specify how much of each (top plastic and side), what Mil thickness, elasticity, core style, and length you are requesting? We are happy to source this as well as provide recommendations from our experience baling corn silage in Wisconsin. The baler will be delivered with one top roll and two side rolls for training purposes. Is this enough or would you like more? If you would like more, how many bales would you like to make per year? We could make a recommendation based upon your needs.
Response: We are willing to go with recommendations from the manufacturer regarding plastic (narrow and wide). We are primarily baling forages (alfalfa, grass, corn silage, cover crops, and other alternative plant materials that can be used for feed). How long can plastic be stored for? We don't know how bales will be made each year, it is dependent on research studies that will be conducted. We are requesting plastic for approximately 500-600 bales. Please include this in the quote.
5. It is mentioned that the machine be delivered to Prarie du Sac in the Statement of Work but then in Attachment Solicitation it is asking the machine be delivered to Linden Drive location in Madison, WI. Could you please clarify? Either is fine with us as we will assemble the machine at our shop in Lena, IL and then haul the machine to the desired address.
Response: The equipment will need to be delivered to the Dairy Forage Research farm in Prairie du Sac. We have offices and labs at the Linden Drive in Madison location, but this equipment will be used at the farm near Prairie du Sac farm. Delivery will be to the Prairie du Sac location.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .