Statement of Work.pdf

Statement of Work Project: Acquisition of Hydraulic Squeeze Chute for Working with Elk

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work: Acquisition of a Hydraulic Squeeze Chute for working with Elk being used in laboratory research. This equipment would greatly increase the safe and humane restraint of animals used in critical research projects.

2.0 Background: Several research projects at the National Animal Disease Center utilize elk for infectious disease research. To obtain samples such as blood from elk they must be restrained. Elk are most safely and humanly restrained in a hydraulic squeeze chute while smaller deer species, such as white-tailed deer, can be restrained in non-hydraulic, manual drop-floor chutes. Drop-floor chutes are not suitable for elk restraint. Elk are housed on the campus in Ames, IA and handling facilities are adjacent to pastures where elk are kept. Elk may be of various ages and both males and females may be present. As such, handling equipment must be able to restrain animals of various sizes.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks:

Minimum Requirements:

• Two doors on both sides to allow access to both the animal’s neck or body while in squeezed position.

• The operator platform must be capable of moving both vertically and horizontally.

• The system must include pressure control and gauge on the squeeze cylinder.

• The system must include a catwalk for personnel on both sides.

• The system must operate with a hydraulic power unit with a minimum 5 hp motor.

• The system must allow for a minimum 6 ft wide, unobstructed opening (to allow for males with antlers.)

• The squeeze must be constructed of high-density, tear-resistant foam pads and heavy vinyl a minimum of 4 inches thick.

• The squeeze must all be constructed with steel sided doors on both sides, to restrict the animal’s view.

• The system must include both front and back rolling doors on entry and exit areas.

• Manufacturer must provide a minimum of 6 months technical assistance via telephone or video conference from date of delivery.

• Quote shall include two references for similar system/equipment.

• Quote shall include all delivery charges to Ames, Iowa.

• Qty: 1 complete system.

4.0 Deliverables/Schedule Delivered onsite within 90 days of date of award.

5.0 Evaluation Factors Technical acceptability, deliverability, price and sourced from a manufacturer with experience in constructing elk handling equipment. Technical acceptability is more important than price.

6.0 Place of Delivery: USDA, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA 50010

7.0 Technical Point of Contact: Should there be technical questions, please contact

Paola Boggiatto (paola.boggiatto@usda.gov) or Mitchell Palmer (mitchell.palmer@usda.gov).

mailto:paola.boggiatto@usda.gov