Specifications.pdf

Specifications Project: Soybean Four-row Research Planter – Urbana SMGPGRU

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work: Acquire a four-row research plot planter for planting small-plot research field trials at the USDA-ARS SMGPGRU in Urbana, IL.

2.0 Background: The Urbana USDA-ARS SMGPGRU and the USDA Soybean Germplasm

Collection currently house approximately 22,000 accessions of soybean which constitutes the nationally held genetic diversity of the soybean crop. To complement the collection, a germplasm enhancement, pre-breeding program annually evaluates approximately 6,000 plots of soybean for yield and agronomic performance. Currently, our two primary research plot planters are 25+ years old with many components wearing down and needing replacement or chronic maintenance. A 2-row planter is used for 40 inch row, early generation plots, and a separate 4-row planter is used for the rest of the research and germplasm plots. A new, small-plot planter will allow the continued functionality of the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection field efforts while also allowing the germplasm enhancement research program to continue to perform early selection of yield traits and to provide publicly available information on the soybean germplasm collection. Added efficiency will be gained by a new planter with the capability to plant 30 and 40 inch rows, saving time and increasing experiment quality.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks: The four-row research planter will be used to plant soybean research plots. Additional requirements include:

• Four-row research plot planter capable of planting soybeans

• Planter units adjustable from 30”-40” row spacing

• Cone planter style, with seed cup for each individual row (able to plant distinct, 1-row plots), necessary seed splitters

• Plate/gear style transmission capable of planting minimally: 7.5ft-15ft plot lengths

• Hydraulic row marker arms on both sides of planter

• 2-seat platform with handrails

• Holders for seed packet boxes and empty packets

• Seed tray indexer capable of planting with cell seed trays

• Spray paint marking system, or similar for alley marking

• Trash whippers and no-till furrow openers

• Built-in aluminum shade platform canopy

• Cable winder and safety stake, cable trip with electronic tripping

• Cable spools for planting 7.5, 11, 13, and 15ft length plots

4.0 Government Furnished: Not applicable.

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule: The research planter should be delivered, setup, and training administered prior to February 1, 2025 for planting season. Any additional equipment necessary from the manufacturer for the operation of the research planter should be itemized and included in the proposal.

6.0 Travel: Proper installation and training costs should be itemized and included in the proposal.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel: Vendor’s personnel should be trained and certified to perform any training and work required for installation of the unit.

8.0 Security Requirements: Delivery should be completed during regular business hours

(7:00 am to 4:00 pm), Monday through Friday.

9.0 Data Rights: Not applicable.

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