Attachment 1 Specifications.pdf

Attachment 1 Specifications

Project: Purchase of specialized greenhouse gas emissions monitoring equipment to analyze methane emissions from grazing livestock

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Specifications: The purchase of the requested equipment, GreenFeed Pasture System, will be utilized to estimate greenhouse gas emissions from cattle. The GreenFeed Pasture Systems come equipped with a trailer and battery system that allows for methane measurements on pasture, but can also be utilized in barn experiments, providing a wide range of uses, both in-barn as well as on-pasture.

2.0 Background: The requested equipment will be utilized for the analysis and quantification of enteric methane emissions (and other greenhouse gases) in cattle, which will be utilized on-pasture while cattle are grazing, and during feeding studies while cattle are housed in barns. Three Greenfeed Pasture Systems are requested in order to have sufficient equipment to cover one block of a grazing experiment. Proper experimental design calls for reduction and minimization of any potential error, therefore measuring methane emissions simultaneously from 1 block at a time is an appropriate approach to minimize potential sources of variation and improve the quality of the data collected.

The key metrics that we will be able to measure with these systems are largely based off the fluxes of greenhouse gases, including methane, carbon dioxide, and potentially oxygen and hydrogen. The main response variables will likely lie on total methane emissions and methane emission intensity (e.g. methane per unit of intake, or unit of gain) for the majority of the grazing trials and the barn-feeding trials.

Throughout the course of a calendar year, these GreenFeed units will be utilized in 2 to 3 research studies, minimum. During the grazing season, these units can be utilized in on-going grazing studies, and there will be at least 1 grazing study being conducted per year.

During the winter months, feeding trials can be conducted where methane emissions data can become important response variables. Moreover, having access to several of these pieces of equipment also opens the door for collaboration with not only with other scientists at DFRC, UW, but also other universities, and commercial companies.

Generating accurate grazing-based methane emissions data will also provide options to collaborate with environmental scientists to link overall livestock methane and carbon emissions to the overall carbon footprint of grazing systems.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks:

C-Lock GreenFeed Methane Analyzing System and Exclusion Gate for measuring methane emissions in grazing studies.

Key Features:

• Methane analyzer

• Carbon dioxide analyzer

• Feed dispensing unit

• Trailer system for transportation

• Solar panels

• Batteries to provide power to unit, charged with solar power

• Auto-calibration of gas sensors

• Removable exclusion gate for group or pen studies

• Installation of all components

• Employee training and company representative present on first day of use

• Yearly service contract o Data access o Hardware and software support o Hardware and software maintenance

4.0 Government Furnished: Any required computer equipment will be government furnished.

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule: The equipment will be delivered on a reasonable period of time.

6.0 Travel: Delivery costs should be included in the bid.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel: Key personnel for contractor is the technical representative in charge of the installation and support of the equipment.

8.0 Security Requirements: None, other than deliveries must be coordinated with laboratory staff, and be schedules during regular working hours.

9.0 Data Rights: Not applicable; all data generated will be property of USDA.

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards: Not applicable.