AG-4740-S-15-0009.pdf

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CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

AMS-CN-ADMN-4740

MEMPHIS TN 38133-2701

3275 APPLING ROAD, ROOM 2

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

334513

SIZE STANDARD:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORAMS-CN-ADMN-4740

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

10/21/2015 1400 ET

09/24/2015

901-384-3000BEVERLY BROWN

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

AG-4740-S-15-0009

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 77 OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

15. DELIVER TO

MEMPHIS TN 38133-2701

3275 APPLING ROAD, ROOM 2

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Tax ID Number: Not Available DUNS Number: Not Available Period of Performance: 10/30/2015 to 10/29/2020

001 HIGH VOLUME INSTRUMENTS WITH AUTO-MICRONAIRE 20 EA

Product/Service Code: 6640 Product/Service Description: LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

& SUPPLIES

Continued ...

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

DATED

BEVERLY S. BROWN

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT:

REF.

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

002 MAINTENANCE OF HIGH VOLUME INSTRUMENTS WITH 60 MO

AUTO-MICRONAIRE - MONTHS 1-60

Product/Service Code: 6640

Product/Service Description: LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

& SUPPLIES

003 MAINTENANCE OF HIGH VOLUME INSTRUMENTS WITH 12 MO

AUTO-MICRONAIRE - MONTHS 61-72

Product/Service Code: 6640

Product/Service Description: LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

& SUPPLIES

004 MAINTENANCE OF HIGH VOLUME INSTRUMENTS WITH 12 MO

AUTO-MICRONAIRE - MONTHS 73-84

Product/Service Code: 6640

Product/Service Description: LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

& SUPPLIES

005 MAINTENANCE OF HIGH VOLUME INSTRUMENTS WITH 12 MO

AUTO-MICRONAIRE - MONTHS 85-96

Product/Service Code: 6640

Product/Service Description: LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

& SUPPLIES

006 Software modifications to the High Volume

Continued ...

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

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NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

3 77

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

AG-4740-S-15-0009

Instrument software

Product/Service Code: 6640

Product/Service Description: LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

& SUPPLIES

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1. SPECIFICATIONS

C.1.1. The USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Cotton and Tobacco Program requires a contract for the acquisition of 20 cotton testing instruments. The contract shall include a full commercial warranty and provide for all service maintenance in accordance with Section B of this solicitation. AMS reserves the right to acquire instruments in increments of 10 (otherwise referred to as LOTS) using either of the pricing options described in Section B. The actual quantity to be acquired shall be determined by the Contacting Officer at time of award.

C.1.2. Offerors shall provide pricing for all quantities and options in the Schedule (Section B).

The acceptance date shall be the date on which all instruments delivered under this solicitation successfully complete all performance requirements as stated in Section E.2 (d). However, in the event one or more instruments cannot be qualified, the units passing qualification will be paid for in the terms of the contract and that when the affected instruments have been repaired and qualified they can be billed and paid for in a separate invoice. If this event were to happen, the vendor will give maintenance credits for the units affected until the date they are actually qualified by the government.

C.1.3. The Contractor shall furnish, as required, the equipment, software, full service commercial warranty, full service maintenance, and other services required for the installation and support of all items supplied under this contract. Such equipment, software, maintenance, and other Contractor support services shall conform to the terms and conditions of this contract. The Contractor shall propose only new equipment. New equipment is defined as equipment of recent manufacture not previously delivered to any user.

C.1.4. The Contractor shall provide AMS with an inventory of all instrument components and all accessory equipment, including manuals, at the time instruments are delivered. AMS shall verify and acknowledge receipt of all equipment and manuals delivered. The packing list from the shipping company is not acceptable.

C.1.4.1. The system shall require no human input or interaction to obtain the micronaire measurement. The system shall utilize one of the length/strength samples to obtain the micronaire measurement. The automatic micronaire system shall accept a mass range from 8 grams to 15 grams. The micronaire chamber size shall be controlled by servomotors. The use of pneumatic cylinders is unacceptable. Samples presented to the sampler drum, regardless of the method of collection, that are within the prescribed mass range shall be transported and loaded into the automatic micronaire cylinder without impeding normal system testing operation. The design shall be such that the flow of the sample though the automatic micronaire chamber is visible. The sample drum shall be designed to retain the entire specimen (no larger than 15g), received from either manual delivery or by mechanical means, in the drum to ensure delivery of the entire sample specimen into the automatic micronaire assembly and to prevent sample fibers from falling into the interior of the cabinet.

C.1.5. Each fiber module will have a module testing mode, diagnostics mode and calibration mode.

C.2. MANDATORY TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

C.2.1. Overall size of a High Volume Instrument shall not exceed a width of 4 feet, a tabletop height of 4 feet, and a length of 10 feet in a straight-line configuration. The instruments shall be configured for operation other than in a straight line. AMS must approve such configuration prior to delivery. AMS may operate the instruments in the configuration it deems to its advantage. The configuration of the overall instruments shall, in the judgment of AMS, lend itself to ease and practicality of operation in a high volume production environment. The instruments shall be mounted on lockable casters that shall provide a minimum of 3 inches of clearance from the floor to the lowest point of the instrument. This shall not interfere with the current instrumentation height as related to the tabletop and the sample eject. All utility and communication connections must be inside the instrument’s cabinet. Instruments shall be designed to facilitate disposal of waste sample portions and micronaire plugs. Instruments shall contain a lid latch for each hinged lid that protects the operator from dangerous machine components. The lid latch shall latch upon lid closure and will require some type of vendor supplied universal tool for opening the lid latch. Each hinged lid shall be supported by a lift assisted device that ensures level opening and closing operation. The device must include a mechanical lock to prevent accidental closure due to cylinder failure. A viewing window of the primary sample preparation and testing area shall be designed into any cabinet cover/hood.

All requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) shall be rigidly complied with by the instruments provided under this contract.

C.2.2. The instruments shall provide measurements of fiber length, fiber mean length, fiber length uniformity index, short fiber index, 1/8-inch gage fiber strength, micronaire reading, fiber color Rd/+b, trashmeter percent area/particle count of trash, leaf grade and moisture. The moisture content measurement shall be a single measurement made at the comb and not require additional operator intervention. The length and length uniformity measures shall be made by scanning a suitably prepared tapered beard and measuring, by the fibrogram method, the length equivalent to the USDA evaluation cotton to the nearest one-hundredth of an inch, the mean length to the nearest one-hundredth of an inch, and the fiber length uniformity index equivalent to the ratio of the mean length to upper half mean length expressed as a percentage and reported to the nearest one-tenth unit. The instruments in maintenance mode shall output the fibrogram used to calculate the upper half mean length, mean length and fiber length uniformity index. These data will be printed on an AMS supplied printer, connected directly to the instruments and/or displayed on the instrument’s screen display. The fiber strength measurement shall be made on the same tapered beards used for the length measurement, with the jaws of the clamps spaced one-eighth inch apart. The instruments shall output results in grams per tex to the nearest one-tenth unit.

C.2.3. Instruments in maintenance mode shall output force-extension (stress-strain) data.

These data will be printed on an AMS supplied printer connected directly to the instruments and/or displayed on the instrument’s screen display.

C.2.4. The brushing pressure shall be adjustable. The brusher assembly shall have parameter which provides an indication of % of change in brushing pressure which will alert the operator of an “out of tolerance” change in the established brushing pressure.

C.2.5. The micronaire shall be measured by passing a stream of air through a specimen of cotton fibers which have a mass range of a minimum of 8 grams to a maximum of 15 grams in a fixed chamber. The results shall be reported in standard micronaire units to the nearest one-hundredth unit.

C.2.6. Color shall be measured by illuminating a sample of cotton and measuring the percent reflectance and yellowness of a 10.5-square-inch area of the sample within +/- 1.0 square inches. The length of the area measured shall not exceed 3.75 inches and the width of the area measured shall not be less than 2.75 inches. Results will be reported in Rd and +b to the nearest one-tenth unit. Instruments shall also output the color code for the Upland or American Pima grade and, for Upland grades, the quadrant of the color code. The color grade reported by the instruments must conform to the Cotton and Tobacco Program’s instruments Color Grade Lookup Chart, which is based on the Rd and +b readings. Instruments shall allow color and trash calibration checks while in production mode without changing menu screens.

Xenon shall be used as the source of illumination for color and trash measurements.

Instruments shall be designed to provide minimal shock to color heads when color measurements are made. The colorheads shall be dust proof. Color head hand pressure shall have its own independently adjustable air pressure regulator with a direct reading gauge near the point of adjustment.

C.2.7. The Length/Strength unit in automatic mode will be started by an external sample delivery system with an electronic start signal. Upon completion of testing the L/S unit will transmit the test data for the bale to the host computer. Additionally, the L/S unit will send a “completed” signal to an external conveyance/control system and return to a ready state to receive the arrival of the next sample. A “Ready” signal shall be sent to an external conveyance control system when the instrument is ready to receive another sample.

C.2.7.1 Instruments are to be designed with two independent cabinets/modules. One independent module for Length/Strength/Uniformity and Micronaire and another independent module for color/trash imaging.

C.2.8. The instrument in manual mode will be operated by a human operator. The L/S unit and C/T units shall be capable of both coupled and decoupled operation. The start control of each unit (L/S and C/T) will be initiated by the operator. The data will be transmitted to the host computer upon completion of testing. The operator will use a barcoded bale identification tag to input the bale identification information in the instrument. The software/hardware shall be designed so that the each unit of the instrument “automatically knows” the configuration status, (e.g. Manual or Automatic). The units shall have the necessary covers, locks, etc. to provide protection from moving parts while interacting with the instrument.

C.2.9. The instrument software shall provide the necessary “user responses” required for human operation (manual configuration). The software shall be written so that both the Length/Strength/Micronaire Unit and the Color/Trash Unit may be turned off from a configuration menu. The units shall be capable of sending a complete record with bale identification to a host computer server independent of the other unit.

C.2.10. When the L/S Unit is turned off the system will transmit “dummy” Len/Str/Mic data to the host computer server. The actual Color/Trash data as measured by the Color/Trash Unit will be transmitted to the host computer along with the “dummy” Length/Strength data. The actual data string will be provided upon contract award.

C.2.11. When the Color/Trash Unit is turned off the system will transmit “dummy” Color/Trash data to the host computer. The actual Length/Strength data as measured by the Length/Strength/Mic Unit will be transmitted to the host computer along with the “dummy” Color/Trash data. The actual data string will be provided upon contract award.

C.2.12. When in automatic configuration, the instrument shall not require any human response to error messages. Both units will operate continuously without stopping to acknowledge routine (e.g. non-fatal/non-catastrophic) error messages. Only catastrophic errors shall halt either unit’s operation while in an automatic configuration.

C.2.13. All system errors/messages will be logged to an error log file (*.txt format) and be displayed on the instrument’s monitor at the press of a function key. The screen log will display the count of each occurrence. Errors listed will include both Windows errors and instrument software application errors. Specific log entries will be identified upon contract award.

C.2.14. Percent area of trash shall be measured on a 9-square-inch area of the sample, within +/- 0.1 square inches. The length of the area measured shall not exceed 3.75 inches and the width of the area measured shall not be less than 2.4 inches. In order to eliminate fogging of the trashmeter lens, trash measurements shall be made by a filter less camera/trashmeter. The measurement results will be reported as a percentage to the nearest one-tenth, except values greater than 5.0 will be reported as 5.0. Instruments in maintenance mode shall display and/or output the percent area of trash measurement to the nearest one-hundredth of a percent.

C.2.15. The trash particle count will be measured by the “cluster” method and reported to the nearest whole number. A cluster is defined as a group of trash pixels connected on the same or adjacent scan lines. A single piece of trash, regardless of its size, will have a cluster count of one. Instruments shall provide the option of either displaying or outputting this measurement, or both. The trashmeter shall have the ability within the software to detect incomplete window coverage. The detection parameters shall be adjustable.

C.2.16. The color/trash unit shall be designed in such a way that the sample presentation is conducive to both manual and automated sample delivery to the color/trash unit. The minimum vertical clearance space between digital imaging heads shall be 8 inches in height.

The minimum horizontal clearance shall be 18 inches. This clearance will allow for presentation of samples to the imaging area without effecting the positioning/location of any sample in the process.

C.2.17. Each module/cabinet of the HVI shall be under control of its own computer system and be capable of independent operation and communication with the connected host computer.

The USDA, AMS, Cotton and Tobacco Program has prepared minimum Information Technology Standards for new instruments purchases by using the applicable sections of the USDA, AMS, Information Technology Standards in Directive 3130.5. If you feel you have an appropriate justification to not meet these standards, a waiver request must be submitted and approved by the USDA, AMS, Cotton and Tobacco Program. All waivers requests must include:

1. A business case for not meeting the standard.

2. Why the computer system cannot meet the standard.

3. The estimated timeline for upgrading the system (software, hardware, etc.) so that it can meet the standard.

C.2.18. The minimum Information Technology Standards for new instrument purchases as of 03/23/2006 are listed below:

Operating System: MS Windows 7 or newer

1. Processor: Intel Core i5-3470 (6M, 3.2 GHz)

2. Memory: 4GB (as 1 DIMM)

3. Monitor: 17" LCD TFT/Active Matrix

Pixel Pitch: Minimum .27mm Horizontal and Vertical viewing angle: Minimum 85 degree Brightness: Minimum 300cd/m2

Contrast Ratio: Minimum 500:1 Optimal Resolution: 1280 x 1024 (SXGA)

4. Hard Drive 250 GB minimum

5. USB Ports 2 accessible

6. Optical Drive 8X DVD +/-RW

7. Ethernet: 10/100 integrated or equivalent

8. Sound Card: Plug-and-play compatible

9. Speakers: Generic or internal speakers

10. Pointing Device: Keyboard touch pad

C.2.19. A Personal Computer, monitor, keyboard, swing arm, and barcode scanner shall be provided on each unit (e.g. L/S Unit and C/T Unit).

C.2.19.1. A “waterless type”, dust and moisture proof keyboard shall be provided on each instrument/unit. Each key of the keyboard shall be the size of a standard typewriter key.

C.2.20. Vendor supplied application software shall not interfere with the Windows Operating System’s ability to perform normal windows operating functions/utility operations or impede operations of other windows applications that may be loaded or currently in use.

C.2.21. The vendor shall create various levels of user access to the instrument software variables and settings Those levels shall be defined as Operator, Line Supervisor, Technician, and Shift Supervisor.

C.2.22. The vendor supplied application software shall transmit a status file that shall adhere to a format distributed by the USDA Cotton and Tobacco Program. This format will be provided within 10 days of the contract award date.

C.2.23. The vendor software shall implement multiple levels in the utilization of initialization (ini) files. The hard coded instrument and motor constants (motor travel, motor delay times, motor speeds, etc.) shall be available only at the administrative level. The instrument dependent constants (trash setup constants, motor positions, calibration constants, etc.) shall be available at the technician and shift supervisor levels. Lot Limits, Offsets, Retest Bale ID Removal capability, Calibration Standard values shall be available at the line supervisor level.

C.2.24. Programming languages used for new application development shall be fourth-generation computer language.

C.2.25. The instruments disk drives, USB Ports, CD-ROM drives shall be lockable to prevent unauthorized access. The operating software supplied by the Contractor at the time of delivery shall not exceed 50 percent of the computer’s processing and storage capability.

Computer mountings shall be designed to facilitate ease of replacement of the instrument’s computer and other components. The computer’s case shall be designed to facilitate easy removal and replacement of internal component parts. Each instrument cabinet shall contain surge protection only, (not UPS protection) to the instrument’s personal computer and computer monitor to protect the instrument from power fluctuations.

C.2.26. The instruments shall be capable of calibration to the Universal Instruments Calibration Cottons for length, length uniformity, strength, USDA micronaire calibration orifices and chamber cotton, five (5) USDA calibration tiles for color (white, yellow, gray, brown and central), and the USDA trash calibration materials (920 tile, blank tile, threshold calibration tile).

C.2.27. The instruments shall have demonstrated capability of testing a minimum of 825 classer samples per work shift, based on 7 hours and 20 minutes of actual operation. The instruments shall be evaluated for production while interfaced to a Nonstop server owned by the government, with the number of complete records accepted by the server being the official record of each day’s production. Re-tested samples and/or other incomplete records will not be counted in determining the total daily production. Samples used for volume testing will be representative of the normal U.S. crop’s quality distribution. Each instrument shall require not more than one operator.

C.2.28. Offers received for instruments requiring more than one (1) operator and with production rates of less than 825 classer samples per work shift will not be considered for award.

C.2.29. Instruments shall include a bar code reader at the sample identification entry station to determine bale identification. The bar code tag may require orientation for reading. The scanner shall read Code-A-Bar, Code 39, or Code 128, subset B and subset C type bar codes based upon industry standard. Bar code type discrimination shall be done automatically and immediately by the scanner. The scanner shall recognize and read bar code without any other actuation needed. The reader shall accurately accomplish its task in one pass of the card across the scanner, 99% of the time for properly printed and non-damaged cards. Neither pencil-type wand scanners nor slot-type bar code readers are acceptable.

C.2.29.1. Each unit (e.g. L/S and C/T) shall have capability for the integration of RFID equipment for use in providing bale identification information in addition to data from scanners discussed in C.2.28 above.

C.2.30. The instruments shall allow for keyboard entry of bale identification data. If keyboard entry is necessary, two separate keyboard entries will be required for each sample, with the two keyboard entries compared by the instrument’s computer to insure that they are identical.

The first keyboard entry will not be displayed on the instrument’s screen display while the second keyboard entry is being made.

C.2.31. The instruments operation main screen, (e.g. System Testing), shall display the mode (e.g., Classer Off Line Original, futures original, etc.), instrument number, Supervisor Number, Cotton Type and Operator number on the screen display at all times.

C.2.31 The instruments shall interface with USDA’s server using RS-232 (DB9 pin female) and shall have capability for implementation of TCP/IP communication. Instruments shall allow the display of messages from the host computer on each instrument’s screen display. An output record shall be produced for each sample classed. All output records shall be in the formats specified by the government 60 days prior to the time of delivery.

C.2.32 Instruments shall be equipped with the necessary software to provide the capability to use external offset adjustments for each instruments measurement, except trash, so that all instruments can be adjusted to the same test level. The software shall also have the capability to use external slope adjustments for trash, so that all instruments can be adjusted to the same test level. Offset and slope adjustments will be configured in such a way that they will not apply to the calibration mode of the instruments. The instrument shall be capable of maintaining different offsets for each operating mode (e.g. Form 1, 8x8, QA, etc.) and each type of cotton (Roller, Upland, Pima). The instruments shall be equipped with the necessary software to provide the capability to calculate and apply automatic offset adjustments for micronaire, length, uniformity, strength Rd, and +b measurements based on the difference from a standard known value bale (e.g. In-house cotton). This is in addition to the manual external offset described above. The Auto-Offset shall have a “Zero Offset” Button to enable quick removal all calculated offset data. The Auto-Offset shall be selectable from the Configuration Menu and shall calculate and display the Auto-Offsets when a Function key is pressed. The actual Auto-Offset will always be calculated, but only be applied when the Configuration Automatic Offset Check Box is Checked.

Measurement Maximum Offset Limit Micronaire +/- 0.1 units Length +/- 0.018 inches Strength +/- 1.20 gtx Uniformity +/- 1.0 percent Color Rd +/- 1.0 unit Color +b +/- 0.8 units

Trash % Area +/- 0.1 percent (as a multiplier – .90 – 1.10 of the measurement) Particle Count +/- 0.1 percent (as a multiplier – .90 – 1.10 of the measurement)

C.2.32. Software shall be provided with each instrument that allows AMS to set parameter limits (e.g. Lot Limits and Side Limits) for instrument measurements and allows re-testing of samples having readings outside set ranges.

C.2.33. A complete set of all accessory equipment shall be supplied for every five instruments delivered. Accessories include any device, orifice, jig, special tool, etc. that is necessary to facilitate the proper setup, calibration, and adjustment of the instruments for optimum performance. Colorimeter and trash tiles are excluded although color tile and trash tile holders are required for every instrument.

C.2.34. The device used to prepare specimens for length, strength and uniformity measurement shall be automated to the extent that fibers are locked in combs without operator intervention, other than the activation of a triggering device. Acceptable combs are limited to those designs that are similar to the HVI1000 (2013 model) currently in use by USDA. Any other design must be submitted to USDA for approval.

C.2.35. Each module of the instrument shall have an independent power switch. All electrical power components, power strips, power supplies, etc., shall be designed and mounted to prevent disconnection under normal operating conditions. The use of tape, wire cable ties, or other temporary solutions, to secure connections is not acceptable. No interconnecting connections between or within cabinets will be routed on the floor. The only external connections (e.g. electrical, control, or air) to the instrument shall be those from the ground floor utility box directly to the cabinet.

C.2.36. All components of the instrument shall be designed to reduce buildup of lint inside the instrument. The components shall be designed to provide easy access for lint removal by operators. The card cloth cleaning shall utilize a combination of compressed air, suction and/or mechanical (brushing) to minimize the need for manual cleaning.

C.2.37. Micronaire scales shall be designed to minimize fluctuations in specimen mass measurements caused by air turbulence to the maximum extent possible. The scale shall have a Tare warning message informing the operator to Tare (or zero) the scale as necessary.

C.2.38. Each instrument shall have a warning device to indicate reduced vacuum pressure as a result of clogged manifolds, open lint chamber doors, or any vacuum related reasons. Each instrument shall provide a measurement of the static pressure in the length/strength module that shall be displayed in the system testing mode. The vacuum motor shall be assembled in a modular configuration that shall provide a quick connect and disconnect assembly that shall be approved by AMS.

C.2.39. Each instrument’s heat output shall not exceed 4000 BTU per hour and each instrument’s compressed air requirement shall not exceed 5.0 CFM at a pressure not to exceed 100 pounds per square inch.

C.2.40. Instruments shall be designed so that all doors, lids, access panels, etc., which access dangerous moving machine parts must remain closed while the instruments are in an operations mode. Cabinet lids shall contain a lid latch that latches when the door is closed and requires a universal type tool (ex. Allen wrench, screwdriver, etc.) for releasing the lid for opening. Heavy lids or panels shall have a hood prop rod or similar locking type device to prevent accidental closure. Each vendor shall use one universal tool on all of their equipment.

Lids over the sampling and measurement areas shall have a viewing window to observe operation.

C.2.41. The instrument shall not exceed a noise level of 75 decibels that will be measured by the USDA at the operator position at a height not to exceed 5 feet from the floor and a 1 foot radius while standing at the operator position. It will also be measured at the adjacent operator workstations.

C.2.42. When a tile holder is inserted into the color/trash unit, the gap between the holder and the tray shall not exceed 1/16". The tile holding devises, when positioned at the measurement windows, shall not be off-center by more than 1/16th.

C.2.43. The instrument operational software shall be equipped with password protection for entrance to screens involving calibration values, operating limits, offsets, or procedural parameters. This password protection will allow only authorized personnel to enter into these menus. Password protection is in addition to the operator and supervisor numbers/passwords mentioned in paragraph C.2.43 below.

C.2.44. Operator and supervisor numbers are required before entry is granted into System Testing mode. The operator number, supervisor number and instrument number shall be displayed on the system testing screen at all times. The instruments shall have the option of entering either numbers or passwords for the entry of the operator and supervisor number. If passwords are used, each password will be linked to a number supplied by USDA. The password file shall be a separate file which contains only operator, supervisor, and technician numbers and passwords.

C.3. ANTIVIRUS PROTECTION

C.3.1. The Cotton and Tobacco Programs use Microsoft “Forefront Client Security” virus protection software as directed by AMS on all computer systems. Our license to this virus software is available for use in HVI’s procured under this solicitation, only if the software is acceptable to the vendor. The Cotton and Tobacco Program is willing to assume update responsibility on the Microsoft ForeFront Client Security virus software if the software is acceptable to the vendor. If the virus software provided by AMS Cotton and Tobacco Program is not acceptable to the vendor, the vendor must supply, install, and maintain virus protection software, including all required periodic updates, which is acceptable to them and which is compatible with the HVI software.

C.4. INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION

C.4.1. The instruments shall be capable of being calibrated to the units shown below:

Fiber Length: In inches to three decimal places.

Length Uniformity: In percent to one decimal place.

Fiber Strength: In grams per tex to one decimal place.

Micronaire: In micronaire units to two decimal places.

Color Reflectance: In percent to one decimal place.

Color Yellowness: In +b units to one decimal place.

Trash Area: In percent area to two decimal places.

Particle Count: In number of particles to the nearest whole number.

C.4.2. The instruments shall be calibrated to Universal instruments calibration cottons, USDA micronaire calibration orifices, and USDA color and trash tiles within the tolerances listed below for the corresponding quality factor:

C.4.3. Fiber length: +/- 0.007inch of the established value for the short and long calibration cotton and +/- 0.016 inch of the difference between the standard values for the short and long calibration cottons (spread or range).

C.4.4. Length uniformity: +/- 0.7 units of the established value for the short and long calibration cottons and +/- 1.4 units of the difference between the standard values for the short and long calibration cottons (spread or range).

C.4.5. Fiber strength: +/- 0.5 gram per tex of the established value for the strong and weak calibration cottons and +/- 1.2 grams per tex of the difference between the standard values for the strong and weak calibration cottons (spread or range).

C.4.6. Micronaire: Iinstruments must calibrate to within +/- 0.02 on both high and low USDA micronaire calibration orifices. After calibration, ten replications shall be made on the USDA micronaire chamber size calibration cotton. The average must be within +/- 0.02 of the established value on the chamber cotton and the bias shall be displayed on the monitor.

C.4.7. Color reflectance and color yellowness (Rd and +b): Instruments shall calibrate to within + 0.4 for Rd and within + 0.4 for +b of the USDA values on all five of the USDA tiles.

After calibration is complete, the central tile must read within + 0.4 for Rd and within + 0.4 for +b of the USDA values on this tile. Instruments shall be able to calibrate the upper and lower color heads simultaneously reading both sides of one tile holder at the same time.

C.4.8. Trashmeter Setup (Calibration): The calibration process shall automatically iterate until the threshold calibration tile is being measured within +/- 0.02 of the established area value.

C.4.9. Trashmeter Calibration Check: The instruments shall check calibration to within + 0.02 percent area and within + 1 particle count of the USDA values on the USDA calibration check tile. Check calibration results that are not within these tolerances will be highlighted on the calibration screen.

C.5. USDA PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION AND METHODOLOGY FOR ACCEPTANCE

TESTING OF INSTRUMENTS

C.5.1. The methodology and performance specifications established by AMS for evaluating the instruments ability for measuring length, length uniformity, strength, micronaire reading, color and trash of cotton are outlined in the following paragraphs. The Cotton and Tobacco Program shall perform the acceptance testing of individual instruments. In the precision and accuracy evaluation, the number of tests made for each instrument measurement on each sample shall not exceed the number of tests made in the instrument’s production mode.

C.5.2. The Contractor shall deliver instruments to not more than two Cotton and Tobacco Program offices for evaluation as agreed upon by the Cotton and Tobacco Program and the Contractor. Upon satisfactory completion of performance evaluation, the vendor shall deliver accepted instruments to locations specified by the USDA, set up and ready for use, at no additional cost to the government. However, the contractor is responsible for only one move from the office(s) that acceptance has been performed to no more than two locations in total.

C.5.3. The Contractor shall have at least one customer engineer on site during the entire evaluation process.

C.6. METHODOLOGY

C.6.1. Each instrument to be evaluated will be operated in a production environment.

Universal and USDA Calibration Cotton Standards, colorimeter check sample boxes, cotton samples or photographic images mounted under 1/16-inch clear glass (Tempax), will be used.

The instruments being evaluated shall be calibrated to Universal instrument Calibration Cottons, USDA micronaire calibration orifices, USDA colorimeter tiles and checked to a USDA calibration check tile (trashmeter).

C.6.2. Samples will be conditioned for a minimum of 48 hours or will be subjected to rapid conditioning under the following conditions prior to testing:

C.6.3. A temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit +/- 1 degrees and 65 percent relative humidity +/- 2 percentage points. These conditions will be maintained during the testing process. All cottons tested shall have moisture contents of not less than 7.00 percent and not more than

8.00 percent, as determined by the USDA.

C.6.4. USDA reserves the right to suspend further evaluation of any instrument that fails 4 times on any of the performance tests until the contractor submits documentation (Instrument Evaluation Log) of mechanical, software and/or procedural changes made to correct the problem. Each instrument shall have an Instrument Evaluation Log provided by USDA.

C.6.5. Once an instrument has passed any of the evaluation criteria, no parts shall be removed from that instrument without USDA approval.

C.6.6. The 2x60 test must be passed before the 8x16 test can be run. Both the 2x60 and the 8x16 tests must be passed before volume testing can be started

C.7. 2x60 Evaluation Cottons (2x60 Test).

C.7.1. Two (2) 2x60 evaluation cottons having established values and standard deviations will be used for the 2x60 test. Each of the two (2) cottons will be tested 60 times. Standard deviations shall be calculated for each of the 60 tests for length, uniformity, strength, and micronaire.

C.8. Instrument Evaluation Cottons (8x16 Test).

C.8.1. Eight (8) Instrument Evaluation Cottons having established values within the ranges listed below will be used:

Fiber Length - 0.85 to 1.30 inches Length Uniformity - 77 to 85 percent Fiber Strength - 20 to 34 grams per tex Micronaire - 2.5 to 6.0 micronaire units

C.8.2. Each of the eight (8) cottons will be tested 16 times on two consecutive tests. The instrument shall be calibrated before each test. Means and standard deviations will be calculated for each test. The Cotton and Tobacco Program shall provide vendors with HVI Evaluation Cottons at least 90 days prior to the delivery date of the instruments. In the event of disagreement on the value of evaluation cottons, the Cotton and Tobacco Program Quality Assurance Division shall have final determination as to whether the established values are correct.

C.8.3. Average biases will be calculated for length, length uniformity, and strength for instruments in units of five.

C.8.4. The Standard Values for each of the HVI Evaluation Cottons were established from tests performed under standard atmospheric conditions in AMS/USDA laboratories and by Cotton Incorporated, Raleigh, NC.

C.9. Universal and USDA Calibration Cotton Standards Samples.

C.9.1. Two consecutive tests, each consisting of eight 1-specimen micronaire tests will be made on each of the cottons listed below. The tests shall be conducted in “Module Testing” mode:

Calibration Approximate Cotton Standard Value

A 5.5 B 4.5 C 3.5 D 4.0 G 2.6 I 5.0

C.9.2. Using the data generated from the above tests, means and standard deviations will be calculated for each test. The instrument shall be calibrated before each test.

C.10. Universal Colorimeter Check Sample Boxes.

C.10.1. Two consecutive tests, each consisting of eight 2-specimen colorimeter tests will be made on each sample of a 12-sample check box, supplied by the Cotton and Tobacco Program. Samples shall be rotated 90 degrees after each reading. Using the data generated, means and standard deviations will be calculated for each of the tests. The instrument shall be calibrated before each test.

C.11. USDA Trashmeter Cotton Samples and Photographic Images Mounted Under Glass.

C.11.1. Two consecutive tests, each consisting of eight 2-specimen trashmeter percent area of trash and particle count tests will be run on twelve cotton samples or photographic images mounted under glass, supplied by the Cotton and Tobacco Program. Materials shall be rotated 90 degrees after each reading. The USDA shall establish values for these materials. Using the data generated, means and standard deviations will be calculated for each test. The instrument shall be calibrated before each test.

C.12. ALLOWABLE TOLERANCE

C.12.1. Results of each test shall be within the tolerances listed below:

C.12.2. Variability (2x60 Test).

The calculated standard deviations must not exceed established standard deviation limits.

Standard deviation limits shall be based on the product of the established calibration cotton standard deviations and the f-test factor of 1.45.

C.13. Length, Length Uniformity and Strength (8x16 Test).

C.13.1. Fiber length shall not differ from the upper half mean length values established for the

HVI evaluation cottons by more than +/- 0.015 inch for seven of the eight cottons. The overall average standard deviation for the eight HVI evaluation cottons shall be no greater than 0.012 inch.

C.13.2. Fiber length uniformity shall be within +/- 0.90 index units of the established length uniformity values for seven of the eight HVI evaluation cottons. The overall average standard deviation shall be no greater than 0.8 index unit for the eight cottons.

C.13.3. Fiber strength shall be within +/- 1.30 grams per tex of the established strength values for seven of the eight HVI evaluation cottons. The overall average standard deviation shall be no greater than 1.0 gram per tex for the eight cottons.

C.13.4. Overall average biases for micronaire, Color Rd, Color +b, length, length uniformity, and strength will be calculated from the two consecutive passes on the eight evaluation cottons, tested 16 times on instruments in groups of five. A group of five instruments will be determined by starting with the lowest instrument serial number delivered and progressing to the consecutively higher serial numbers.

C.14. Micronaire.

C.14.1. HVI Evaluation Cottons Phase. Average micronaire shall be within +/- 0.11 micronaire units of the established values for seven of the eight HVI evaluation cottons. The overall standard deviation shall be no greater than 0.07 micronaire units for the eight cottons.

C.14.2. USDA Calibration Cotton Standards Phase. For each of two consecutive tests, the average observed micronaire reading shall be within +/- 0.10 micronaire units of the established values for each of the six standards. The overall standard deviation shall be no greater than 0.07 micronaire units for the six standards.

C.14.3. Automatic micronaire units shall complete the tests above with specimen ranging from 8 to 15 grams in individual weight groups that shall consist of 1 gram ranges. For example Group 1 = 9-10g; Group 2 = 10-11g. etc. USDA has the option to require all or a portion (not less than 20%) of the instruments to pass this test.

C.15. Color.

C.15.1. For each of the two consecutive tests, the average difference in color reflectance (Rd) between the observed values and established values of the 12 colorimeter calibration check box samples shall not exceed +/- 1.0 percentage points for each sample. The overall average standard deviation shall be no greater than 0.7 percentage point for the 12 samples.

C.15.2. For each of the two consecutive tests, the average difference in color yellowness (+b) between the observed values and established values of the 12 colorimeter calibration check box samples shall not exceed +/- 0.5 units for each sample. The overall standard deviation shall be no greater than 0.3 units for the twelve samples.

C.16. Trashmeter Cotton Samples and Photographic Images Mounted Under Glass.

C.16.1. For each of the two consecutive tests, the average percent area of trash and particle count for each sample shall not exceed the following:

Sample Range Area Sample Range Count Percent Area Tolerance Count Tolerance

0 - 0.34 +/- 0.02 0 - 5 +/- 1

0.35 - 0.54 +/- 0.04 6 - 15 +/- 2

0.55 - 0.84 +/- 0.06 16 - 20 +/- 3

0.85 - 1.14 +/- 0.08 21 - 30 +/- 4

1.15 - 1.74 +/- 0.10 31 - 40 +/- 5

1.75 - 2.24 +/- 0.12 41 - 50 +/- 6

51 - 65 +/- 7 66 - 90 +/- 10

* 0.3 - 0.50 +/- 0.10 30 - 50 +/- 7

* 1.75 - 2.24 +/- 0.24 100 – 135 +/- 15

* 2.25 - 3.30 +/- 0.28 160 - 200 +/- 18

* Full Pattern Trash Images Under Glass

C.16.2. For each of two consecutive tests, the overall standard deviation for percent area of trash shall not exceed 0.04 for the twelve samples and the overall standard deviation for particle count shall not exceed 6 count for the twelve samples.

C.17. GROUPS OF FIVE EVALUATION

C.17.1. The overall biases, as calculated for the group (five instrument’s) from each instrument’s two consecutive 6x8, 8x12, 8x16 evaluation passes, shall be within :

+/- 0.05 for Micronaire +/- 0.5 for Color Rd +/- 0.25 for Color +b +/- 0.006 for Length +/- 0.5 for Length Uniformity +/- 0.8 for Strength

C.17.2. A group with biases exceeding these tolerances will require all or individual instruments in that group to be re-evaluated using the 6x8, 8x12 and 8x16 evaluation process as specified at the discretion of the USDA.

C.18. OVERALL PERFORMANCE

C.18.1. Performance testing shall consist of performing the following procedure on two consecutive days (one time each day):

C.18.2. Micronaire – one side of the two halves of the samples representing the bale.

C.18.3. Length, strength, uniformity – a minimum of one specimen from each of the two halves of the sample representing the bale.

C.18.4. Color and Trash – a minimum of two specimens from each of the two halves of the sample representing the bale.

C.18.5. The instruments shall turn out a minimum of 825 samples in 7 hours and 20 minutes of actual operation. In order to pass the performance test, the instruments shall produce 825 samples during one work shift. During the performance testing, 60 short/weak and 60 long/strong calibration cottons with a difference in micronaire between the two of 0.4 to 2.0 units shall be included.

C.18.6. Two (2) calibration cottons will be used for the known value test. The 120 tests, 60 for each calibration cotton, shall be run in groups of 40 (20 short and 20 long) as follows: (40 immediately after initial calibration, 40 half-way through the test and 40 at the end of the test).

C.18.6.1. Average results from the testing of each known-value cotton each day must agree with the established values for that cotton within the following tolerances:

Length +/- 0.020 inch Uniformity +/- 1.0 index Strength +/- 1.50 gm/tex Micronaire +/- 0.15 unit

C.18.7. The instruments shall be calibrated each day before beginning the performance test and no more than one additional time during the performance test for that day.

C.18.8. USDA has the option to require all or a portion (not less than 20%) of the instruments to pass the overall 2 full day performance test at each evaluation location. At a minimum, all instruments not performing the 2 full day performance test, shall pass a half day volume test for 2 consecutive days consisting of the known-values test while producing 410 samples during 3 hours and 40 minutes.

C.19. INSTRUMENT LIFE

C.19.1. The instrument life shall be a minimum of 96 months.

C.20. SUPPLIES

C.20.1. Rental and maintenance charges include all consumable operational supplies, including filters, cleaning brushes, and other supplies not specifically mentioned.

C.21. INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT

C.21.1. After evaluation, instruments will be installed, ready for use, at USDA, AMS, Cotton and Tobacco Program sites specified by the Cotton and Tobacco Program. Delivery sites shall be specified upon completion of evaluation of the instruments.

C.22. TRAINING

C.22.1. The Contractor shall have two (2) separate training requirements; operator training to Government personnel at each evaluation site and a 5-day Instrument Technician training course in the instrument hardware and operational characteristics, at a site specified by the government, for up to 15 USDA, Cotton and Tobacco Program employees.

C.22.2. Operator training shall be provided prior to the beginning of the evaluation period and be of sufficient length to assure understanding of equipment operation, but not to exceed two days.

C.22.3. Training shall include operator actions and responses, operator maintenance, and any other responsibilities essential to efficient use of the equipment for both training requirements.

C.23. MANUALS AND PUBLICATIONS

C.23.1. Each instrument shall have the operator and technical service manuals installed on each instrument hard drive in Adobe PDF format upon delivery.