Specifications.pdf

Specifications Project: Soybean Plot Harvester (Combine) – Urbana SMGPGRU

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work: Acquire a soybean plot combine for harvesting and sampling 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 compliment the collection, a germplasm enhancement, pre-breeding program annually evaluates approximately 6,000 plots of soybean for yield and agronomic performance. Currently, our primary two-row plot harvester is 30 years old with over 3,000 hours. It has grown increasingly unreliable in recent years with breakdowns and does not harvest plots with the same efficiency as it did when it was new. A new, small plot combine will continue to 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.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks: The small plot combine will be used to harvest soybean research plots, recording data for plot weight, test weight, and moisture, and allowing for individual plot sampling and bagging. Additional requirements include:

• Two row, small plot combine capable of threshing soybean

• Two-row, floating row crop header set for 30” rows

• Without a grain tank and unload auger

• Upper and lower sieve set made for standard soybean

• Hydrostatic drive, forward and reverse

• Diesel engine

• Variable speed metal threshing cylinder and winnowing blower

• Air cleaning and pneumatic seed delivery to provide sufficient cleanout and eliminate carryover contamination between research plots.

• A cyclone style, or other pneumatic seed separator is mounted near the driver, providing for 1-person harvest.

• Two large-bag holders for on-board storage of individually harvested sample bags.

• ¼ bushel (15 pound) weigh hopper

• Detachable, push button tablet for weigh hopper interface and harvest map building, including proprietary data collection software for measuring and recording plot weight (yield), moisture, and test weight.

• In-person training on safe and effective operation, basic maintenance

4.0 Government Furnished: Not applicable.

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule: The small-plot combine should be delivered, setup, and training administered within 365 calendar days after receipt of order. Any additional equipment necessary from the manufacturer for the operation of the small-plot combine 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: Installation 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.