Statement of Work Q0224.pdf

Statement of Work (SOW) Project: Plot Combine Transportation

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work: The USDA-ARS Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM)

Project of the Plant Introduction Research Unit (PIRU) in Ames, IA is seeking a small business vendor to provide transportation services for a plot research corn combine to five (5) locations in Iowa between mid-September and early-November.

2.0 Background: The GEM Project conducts yield trial plot research at six (6) locations in Iowa. Transport of harvest equipment to these sites is contracted each year to allow timely harvest of the research trials. The contracted vendor must have the proper equipment and hauling schedule flexibility to provide safe transport of equipment between sites on the schedule set by the research team.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks: The load is a New Holland TR-88 combine and a

4-row corn head with the following approximate specifications:

• Weight: 33,000 lbs.

• Length: 390”

• Width: 134”

• Height: 143”

Preference will be given to vendors with equipment that can support the full width of the drive tires during loading and transport. The wheels must remain on the combine during transport to facilitate quick loading and unloading. Previous years’ movements have required a low-boy trailer but any truck/tractor and trailer configuration capable of moving the combine without causing damage will be suitable. Preference will be given to vendors who can load and unload the combine.

Research plot locations are within 5-10 miles of each town listed; vendors must be flexible in delivery/pickup locations within that mileage radius.

The size of the load requires a valid Iowa DOT permit for oversize-load. The vendor receiving the award is responsible for provision of all Iowa DOT oversize-load signage and flagging as required by the permit.

Haul locations are listed below. The exact sequence and pattern of segments may vary depending on when each plot location is ready for harvest.

• From Ames, IA to Atlantic, IA

• From Atlantic, IA to Glidden, IA

• From Glidden, IA to Williams, IA

• From Williams, IA to Keystone, IA

• From Keystone, IA to Crawfordsville, IA

• From Crawfordsville, IA to Ames, IA

4.0 Deliverables / Schedule: Vendors must be flexible with end users’ schedules, as work dates depend on crop and weather conditions, and must be able to perform given a 12-hour notification prior to the time of required transportation/movement of the load. The vendor must be able to haul according to the required schedule that would be variable and may include weekends. The first haul may be required as early as mid-September and should conclude no later than early-November.

5.0 Period of Performance: September 15, 2023 through November 10, 2023

6.0 Evaluation Factors: Lowest price technically acceptable