Questions_and_Answers_for_the_Wheat_ _Canola_Harvest.pdf

RFQ - #AG-32SD-RFQ-16-JC15

Q & A for the Harvest (2016-2020) Site Visit Meeting Conducted on 04/26/16

Q: How should the potential vendor bid the contract with a total of five years?

A: Michael Douglas (CO) explained that the potential vendor should bid all items (Base + 4 Option years). The Base period will begin upon award of contract through 9/30/2016. The subsequent option years will begin 10/1 and run through 9/30 of the following year.

Q: With more than one option for the destination point for canola, how should they bid with regard to distance?

A: Michael suggested that they should bid on the longest mileage point and that a “Not to Exceed” amount would be added to the contract award. If the “Not to Exceed” amount is reached than a modification to the contract would be issued (pending the reason the amount was exceeded).

At a later point, an amendment of solicitation was handed out to clarify the pricing schedule. Knowing that yield for the crop is the variable, it was amended that pricing would be based on $/acre for combining, $/bu. for flat rate hauling and $/bu. for excess of 20 bushel yield. This would void trying to price on a total unit basis.

Site Visit

Q: In its current state the total farm is divided by a gravel road and the ten individual fields have no permanent borders. It was asked that if they have on board yield monitoring equipment, could they just cut the whole field as one unit and record the yield data as they crossed the individual fields.

A: Even though the location agreed that they have the capability, it was determined by the location that each field be harvested individually to avoid any confusion or loss of data with regard to yield.

Q: One vendor asked if we would consider the use of a stripper head for harvest.

A: At this point of the experiment, the location decided to stay with the use of a sickle cut header, assuming that most of the machines are equipped with straw choppers and can distribute residue evenly.

Q: Vendors asked specifically if the location was responsible for the swathing and/or desiccation of the canola crop prior to harvest.

A: It was decided by the location that the harvest of the canola would include either the swathing or desiccation of the crop regardless of what method the vendor would chose to incorporate. In other words, all aspects of the harvest of canola would be the responsibility of the vendor.

Q: Concern by the vendors at the site was whether or not the new low water crossing could facilitate their heavy equipment as they traveled on the gravel road.

A: It was explained that the low water crossing was designed to handle the weight and length of their equipment and that the location would continue to monitor the integrity of the crossing.