Pre-solicitation notice.pdf

Pre-solicitation Notice PLC to Automate of a Moth Collection System

Phoenix Rearing Facility USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

BACKGROUND:

The Phoenix Rearing Facility (PRF) is located in Phoenix, Arizona. The PRF has been in operation in the present location since 1994 and is the mass production facility for APHIS’s Navel Orangeworm Program. The facility is a full-life-cycle facility (not an eclosion-only facility), with two walk-in moth collection coolers divided into four zones. Each zone has 24 centrifugal separators (referred to as cyclones) into which adult moths are collected and aggregated for sterilization and shipment. The cyclones are emptied entirely manually, several times over a 24-hour day. The program wishes to automate the emptying of the cyclones to prevent clogging of collection lines or damage to the moths if the cyclones get over-filled. The moth collection system includes a scale collection system to capture scales shed by the moths, with one scale (dust) collection line serving two cyclones each. There are also pipes that pull the moths in to the cyclones in an air stream.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The program has designed an automatic drop system for moth collection to empty the cyclones using simple parts and equipment. This system:

- Shuts off the moth collection line fan for a cyclone or bank of cyclones,

- Turns on the dust (scale) collector,

- Opens the scale collection line valve,

- Opens the moth drop valve at the bottom of the cyclone,

- Re-closes the moth drop valve after a pre-set time,

- Closes the scale collection line, and

- Re-starts the moth collection fan(s).

The program seeks a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and associated valves and wiring to replicate the prototype system we have built locally, but which offers greater flexibility and simplicity in changing the timing, frequency, and grouping of drops. The system must be able to shut down the line blowers, turn on dust collection for the zone being dropped, open and close the relevant valves, and run through a set of drops in sequence per zone.

The system will also require the addition of a scale collection box and screen system, plus tray holders, to replace the existing bi-swing tray-holder system. The attached pictures show the existing system first, followed by the prototype which works well. Our need is for duplication of this across both coolers and all cyclones, but we would consider more efficient or streamlined alternatives.

The NAICS code for this procurement is 334513, and it is not being set aside for small business.

This procurement is open to all interest parties on an unrestricted basis. The solicitation and all other documents related to this procurement will be available on the beta.sam.gov site on or after June 7, 2021.

It is the responsibility of interested parties to monitor this site for the solicitation and amendments, if any. Questions concerning this synopsis should be directed to Jim Roloff, contracting officer, by email at james.g.roloff@usda.gov.