SOW_PTRAP Flow Control-KW2025_1155507_Multi-Level Automated Flow Control Structures.pdf

Attachment 1 - 1232SA25Q0796

Specifications Project:

Multi-Level Automated Flow Control Structures for Phosphorus Removal Research

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work:

This project involves the procurement and delivery of four multi-level automated flow control structures to regulate and monitor water flow through phosphorus (P) removal structures in a USDA research study. The goal is to enable precise control of water flow rates and retention times to optimize P removal efficiency, while remotely recording, storing, and transmitting flow data from field locations across Central Iowa.

2.0 Background:

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is conducting research on P removal structures to reduce dissolved phosphorus losses from agricultural drainage, as supported by the P-TRAP software (Penn et al., 2021). These structures require precise flow control to maintain optimal retention times and flow rates through phosphorus sorption materials (PSMs). The flow control structures will be integrated with 2000-gallon septic tanks used as P removal structures in a field experiment. No prior acquisition history exists for these specific flow control structures, but the project builds on previous research demonstrating the need for automated flow regulation in remote settings. The current environment involves agricultural drainage systems with variable flow conditions, and the vision is to develop scalable, data-driven P removal solutions. The flow control structures must utilize technological components that can facilitate remote data monitoring and control.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks:

The contractor shall provide four multi-level automated flow control structures compatible with the following minimum must-have specifications:

• Structure type/quantity: Must provide (3) 6"x8" and (1) 6"x10" inline water level control structures with multi-level automated valves.

• Valve mechanism: Flow control structures must include a PVC slide gate valve to enable precise water level and flow control.

• Automation components: Flow control structures must be able to open/close slide gate valves automatically and have a programmable controller with cellular/cloud-based communications that can facilitate remote operation and data transmission.

• Flow and water level monitoring: Flow control structures must include a water level sensor capable of monitoring and storing flow data and be able to transmit flow and water level data to a cloud-based dashboard, that can be accessible remotely by USDA personnel.

• Data management: Each system must be able to record, store, and transmit real-time data on water level, valve position, battery condition, and be suitable for deployment in remote field locations.

• Power supply: Each system must include a solar panel and battery that can power the system and be housed in a weather-proof enclosure to protect components from environmental conditions.

4.0 Government Furnished:

The contractor must coordinate with the technical point of contact to schedule delivery.

5.0 Deliverables/Schedule:

Deliverable: (3) 6"x8" and (1) 6"x10" inline water level control structures with multi-level automated valves, sensors, solar power systems, and cloud-based controllers.

Schedule: Delivery and installation must be completed by September 1, 2025, to align with the P removal research timeline, assuming order placement by June 30, 2025.

6.0 Evaluation Factors:

See Attached RFQ Terms and Conditions

7.0 Technical Point of Contact:

Should there be technical questions, please contact Ken Wacha at 515-294-8265 or ken.wacha@usda.gov.

8.0 Place of Delivery:

USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment, Attn: Ken Wacha, 1015 N. University Blvd., Ames, IA 50011

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS