Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions_Plot Combine.pdf

Plot Combine - 1232SA26Q0424

Description

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 1232SA26Q0424 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a Plot Combine.

This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard Code is 333111 The small business size standard is 1,250 Employees This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency.

See “Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions” for applicable clauses, instructions, and evaluation criteria.

Statement of Requirement

This requirement is for a Plot Combine in accordance with the attached specifications (Attachment 2).

Vendors are required to be active and registered in the System for Award Management at www.sam.gov when submitting a quote and at time of award (FAR 52.204-7(b)(1)). Payment will be made utilizing the Department of the Treasury Invoice Processing Platform at www.ipp.gov. SAM.gov and IPP.gov are free, official websites of the United States government.

Quotes are due no later than 10:00 am Mountain Daylight Time on Monday, April 20, 2026. Quotes must be submitted electronically, e-mailed to frank.palmer@usda.gov; no faxed or hard copy quotes are allowed.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Aquiculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses and Provisions The clauses and provisions contained herein are applicable to any order awarded as a result of this solicitation. The terms and conditions set forth herein supersede all other terms and conditions. Acceptance of the order in accordance with (IAW) FAR 12.201-1(b)(2) constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions contained herein.

As part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), system updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also the full text of the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52 https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2025) 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (Sep 2025) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Sep 2025) 52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (Nov 2025) 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) 52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025) 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Sep 2025) 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Aside (Nov 2025) 52.222-3 Convict Labor (June 2003) 52.222-19 Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Nov 2025) 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Nov 2025) 52.225-1 Buy American-Supplies (Nov 2025) 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018) 52.247-34 F.O.B. Destination (Jan 1991)

AGAR Clauses

452.203-71 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance (Dec 2025)

(a) By entering into this contract, the Contractor certifies that:

(1) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and it will remain compliant for the duration of the contract.

(2) Neither it nor any subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and the Contractor and any subcontractor or teaming partner will not do so for the duration of the contract.

(b) If the Contractor participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, the Contractor certifies that it will remain compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The Contractor affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the Contractor is not eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to Contractor’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the Contractor to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) The Contractor must include the provisions of this clause in all subcontract solicitations.

(g) Failure on the part of the Contractor or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate this contract for default.

(End of Clause)

452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Nov 2025)

(a) If unliquidated funds in the amount of $1,000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (Contracting Officer) shall issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but will not be required to provide a signature. The Contracting Officer shall immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(b) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing SAP: if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and will be required to provide a signature. (The Contracting Officer may also request a “Contractor Release of Claims” be completed by the contractor, although not required for contracts and orders using SAP.) If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 60 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(c) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing anything other than cost reimbursement, if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and a ‘‘Contractor Release of Claims’’ and will be required to provide a signature on both forms. If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 120 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(End of Clause)

Solicitation Information

Award Type It is anticipated that a Firm-Fixed Price contract will be awarded as a result of this synopsis/solicitation.

The Government intends to make one award from this solicitation. Therefore, to be considered responsive, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

Evaluation and Basis for Award The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR

12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible vendor whose quote conforming to the solicitation will be Lowest Price Technically Acceptable, price and other factors considered. Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability. Should the lowest priced offer not receive an acceptable technical or past performance rating, the process will continue in order of lowest priced offer until the lowest price, technically acceptable offer with acceptable or neutral past performance is identified. The following factors shall be used to evaluate quotes:

Technical Acceptability: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a requirement for a Plot Combine in accordance with the following salient characteristics.

The salient characteristics of the plot combine are as follows:

Header

• Hydraulic vertically adjustable reel

• Hydraulically driven cutting knife with adjustable speed

• Underbody protection for entire width of header conveyor belt

• Auger in header needs to be one complete unsplit auger for even feeding of pea vines

• Hydraulic drive reel with variable speed adjustment

• Dividers on left and right side of header.

• Crop lifters for picking up downed crops such as peas and lentils

• Floating header with adjustable skid plates

• A header blow out system with additional air tank on header to ensure no header contamination

• Header width: 69inches (1.75m)

Cabin

• Air ride seat for driver and passenger

• Hydraulic steering

• 4 Cameras (1 rearview, 1 in the weighing system hopper, 1 in the cyclone, 1 in the sieve area) incl. a in cab monitor)

• Emergency Shut off

• Access to engine from inside the cabin for easy maintenance

• All controls, joystick and tablet integrated in arm rest for ergonomic daily use

• Adjustments for the treshing drum speed, wind speed and engine diagnostics

• Outside box/bin storage system on the machine must be included (boxes/bins filled inside cabin and slide outside),

• Must handle box/bin size of 30 ¾” long x 18 ¾” wide x 11 ¼” high inside the cabin.

Grain tank

• Minimum 23 bushel/800 liter

• Unloading height of minimum 8.5ft to facilitate unloading into current farm trucks

• Unfolding of unloading auger hydraulically

• Entire Grain Tank needs to tilt back for easy clean out between crop varieties.

• Stepladder and platform to inspect grain tank

• Grain tank fill/full level displayed in cab

Threshing drum

• Minimum diameter of 13.5 inches

• Minimum width of 30 inches

• Straw Beating drum must have smooth edges to decrease chances of seed damage

• electrically adjustable stepless threshing drum variator from 200RPM to 1200RPM

• Mechanical reverse of threshing drum including necessary key/wrench

Threshing concave

• Concave spacing between rods of 17mm to ensure harvesting with the same concave for peas, lentils, and chickpeas and does not require a concave change between those crops.

Engine

• Minimum 70hp (meets tier 4 (EPA) standards) to be able to navigate the steep hills of the Palouse region.

• Rotating dust separator at radiator to prevent overheating and keep crop chaff out of the radiator.

• no DEF (Diesel Exhaust fluid) needed

• Engine located in the center of the combine for machine stability and safety on the hilly terrain of the Palouse region.

• Platform for working on and around engine for minimum of two people.

Ground drive

• 4-wheel drive with hydraulic differential lock for climing hilly terrain.

• Hydrostatic drive with two-speed options,

• speed from 0 to at least 12 miles per hour

• Wide Tires (minimum width of 15” or more) for additional stability on hilly terrain.

Cleaning System

• 3 step cleaning system (including 1 shaker and 2 sieves)

• Shaker: 3-step surface shaker with minimum of 19 ft2 cleaning surface

• Sieves: double sieve system with minimum of 22 ft2 (combined)

• Sieve case height of minimum 30” to allow passage of heavy biomass winter peas

• Tool-Free removal of both sieves

• Middle sieve needs to be adjustable, bottom sieve as roundhole sieve (10mm and 12mm)

• Shaker needs to be easily removable for cleaning in between breeding varieties.

• Hydraulically driven cleaning fan with quick adjustment, RPM of 450 - 1800

• Pneumatic conveying system throughout entire combine

Crop Sample Weighing System

• System must be able to collect weight, test weight, and moisture

• Mirus Software is preferred as that is the software we currently use with our database software

• Weighing system must account for slope and motion for accurate weighing of plot samples

• Ability to collect samples and subsamples in cabin

• Must be able to manually empty weighing hopper in between each harvested plot to keep any seed contamination to an absolute minimum

• For ergonomic use, subsampling system must be close to bagging person, a bagging/subsampling system in the back wall of the cabin is not ergonomic and therefore not accepted

• Weighing System needs to slide out completely for calibration and ease of maintenance

• Volume Based Subsampling (time based sub-sampling not accepted)

• Volume adjustment of sample in cabin, up to 214 cu. inches

• Weigh scale calibration weight storage option next to weighing system

• Box storage system outside to reduce dust

• Activation/cycling of weighing system cycle after plot via joystick button

Transport Requirements

• 2 tie down rings on front wheels to able to secure machine for trailer transport

• 2 tie down rings on rear axle for trailer transport

• Combine needs to weigh less than 8,300lbs to be within weight restrictions of our trailers and GVCW of our towing vehicles.

• Capacity to transport samples/grain

• Length: Less than 200” to fit on our currently available trailers.

Maintenance

• All filters and fluids available locally

• Combine needs to have a minimum number of belts to reduce break downs and down time

• Local mechanics need to be able to do ALL repairs. Many of our off-station plots do not have any kind of cell/internet service. Machine needs to be simple “electric over hydraulic” hydraulic system.

Safety

• Must have OSHA Certification (certificate required)

Other

• A minimum of 2 day training by a technician of plot combine vendor

• A minimum of 1 day training by a technician of weighing system vendor

• On-Site inspection of machines at arrival with customer and plot combine vendor

• Offered price include set up and delivery to the USDA Spillman Agronomy Farm, 1452 Johnson Rd., Pullman, WA 99163

• Must include a minimum 24-month warranty

Offeror’s must include in their quotation descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference, such as a web site to information readily available to the Contracting Officer showing that the item being quoted meets all salient characteristics. Merely stating that the item meets is not acceptable.

The Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer.

The Technical capability will be evaluated to determine an overall rating of “acceptable” or “unacceptable”.

To be considered technically acceptable, the quoted product must:

1. Meet or exceed all salient characteristics of the product as specified in the solicitation.

2. Include sufficient descriptive literature or documentation (e.g., product specifications, datasheets, or brochures) to demonstrate how the proposed product meets or exceeds the required salient characteristics.

3. Be available for delivery within the timeframe specified in the solicitation.

Failure to provide adequate documentation or to meet the required salient characteristics will result in a determination of technical unacceptability, and the quotation will not be considered for award.

Past Performance:

The Government may utilize any references provided by the Contractor, along with information available from past contracts/orders with the USDA and any information found using sources such as Federal Government sources or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine if the Contractor has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

• Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness, cost control, business relations, and adherence to contract terms.

• Neutral: Offeror does not have a past performance record.

• Unacceptable: The contractor has a documented history of failing to meet contract requirements, including poor quality, missed deadlines, cost overruns, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.

Price- The total evaluated price shall be the sum of all Contract Line-Item Numbers (CLINs). Quotes will be evaluated to determine whether it is fair and reasonable. The Government shall not award a contract that is not fair and reasonable. Vendors are encouraged to offer discounts beyond their current pricing.

Delivery Information F.o.b. destination, is requested as the F.O.B. point for all deliverables.

All offers will be considered F.O.B. Destination unless F.O.B. origin is specified AND estimated shipping costs are included.

The USDA requires delivery of all items by (see the delivery schedule in the statement of work). Early deliveries will be accepted.

Shipping Instructions:

Items shall be shipped to the following address:

USDA Spillman Agronomy Farm, 1452 Johnson Rd., Pullman, WA 99163 Delivery must be within 120 days of award

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) This is a requirement to establish a Firm-fixed price purchase order for a Plot Combine in accordance with the attached Statement of Work. This award shall be made based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable. A quote must be on company letterhead (or similar markings, clearly identifying vendor name and address) with the subject solicitation number detailing the item description, unit price per item, total price, and valid for at least 60 days after receipt of quote. Failure to provide all information may result in a quote being determined as non-responsive without discussion. All responsible sources who submit a timely and complete quote will be considered for award. Facsimile submissions are not authorized for this solicitation. This solicitation does not commit the Government to pay any costs for the preparation and submission of a quote in response to this Request for Quote. The quoter must submit an electronic response to this solicitation via email to frank.palmer@usda.gov. The information provided must be concise, factual, and complete. To be considered responsive, quotes must be sent electronically via email to frank.palmer@usda.gov and received no later than the closing date and time of this solicitation. As a result of this solicitation, the Government intends to establish a firm-fixed price order. Award of the contract resulting from this solicitation will be made to the responsible quoter, as defined by FAR 9.104-1. Any quoter without an active SAM registration will be determined non-responsive and will not receive further consideration for award.

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017) 52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Nov 2025)

52.204-7 System for Award Management—Registration (Nov 2025) 52.222-18 Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products (Feb 2021) 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate (Oct 2022)

AGAR Provisions

452.203-70 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Certification (Dec 2025)

(a) By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that:

(3) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(4) Neither it nor any proposed subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(b) If the offeror participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, by submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that it is compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The offeror affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the offeror will not be eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to offeror’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the offeror to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) Failure on the part of the offeror or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate the contract for default.

(End of Provision)

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ombudsman Program

The USDA is committed to issuing solicitations and awarding contracts in a fair and prompt manner. The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to address protest issues within the agency, providing an alternative to costly and time-consuming litigation. Operating independently, OPAP offers relief comparable to that granted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to resolve concerns through USDA’s internal Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process before pursuing external forums such as the GAO. Concerns may be addressed informally or through a formal agency protest filed with either the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman.

Informal Forum with the Ombudsman

1. Initial Point of Contact: Interested parties who believe a specific USDA procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer.

2. Escalation: If the Contracting Officer is unable to address their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the USDA Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process, the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Utilization of the informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a formal protest with the agency or other forums.

3. Required Information: To ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable).

Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman

1. Effort to Resolve: Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions.

2. Independent Review: If the protester’s concerns remain unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or, alternatively, with the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government.

3. Resolution Timeline: The agency’s goal is to resolve protests within 35 calendar days from the date of filing.

4. Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104(a)(3). Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.

5. Timeliness: Protests must be filed within the timeframes specified in FAR 33.104.

6. Submission: Formal protests under the OPAP program should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer.

Election of Forum. By initiating a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If a protest is filed externally, the agency protest will be dismissed.

mailto:SPE.inquiry@usda.gov