A04_Statement of Requirements-Specifications.pdf

This document is a Statement of Objectives (SOO) for an automated push-probe soil sampler required by USDA-ARS Kimberly, Idaho. The sampler must collect soil cores to a depth of 3 feet and automatically separate cores into three discrete samples by depth (such as 0-12, 12-24, and 24-36 inch increments) without post-processing. The equipment must also be capable of compositing samples from multiple cores into a single container, with programmable sampling depth, sample intervals, and number of discrete samples to enable flexible collection configurations.

The sampler specifications require a sample tube inside diameter between ¾ and 1 inch, a hydraulic cylinder and hydraulic hammer, a stand-alone engine of approximately 5 horsepower, and a cycle time of less than 30 seconds per core collection. The equipment must weigh no more than 300 pounds and be capable of mounting on a side-by-side vehicle. Samples should be collected freely into open containers rather than sleeves or tubes, and the sampler must be GPS-enabled to record sample locations. All operating and programming controls must be accessible from the driver's seat of the vehicle to enable remote operation during field sampling activities.