Statement of Work - SOW 21 Cotton Harvesting.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK: USDA-ARS Sustainable Water Management Research Unit Cotton Harvesting A. Introduction/Background Uncertainty in the amount and timing of precipitation is one of the most serious risks to crop production. Producers in the humid regions including the Mississippi Delta (MD) have become increasingly reliant on supplemental irrigation to ensure adequate yields. The majority of irrigated cropland in this region relies on groundwater supplies, mostly from the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer. Excessive withdrawal of groundwater has resulted in a decline in aquifer levels across the region. Ongoing depletion and stagnant recharging of the aquifer jeopardize the long-term availability of the aquifer and place irrigated agriculture in the region on an unsustainable path.

Scientists of the USDA-ARS Sustainable Water Management Research Unit (SWMRU) in Stoneville, MS conduct research projects to develop technologies improving water use efficiency to promote the sustainable use of water resources. Field experiments are necessary in their research. SWMRU personnel prepared, planted, and managed experimental cotton crops, however support is needed to assist the scientists in achieving research goals. Support is needed to harvest the cotton using a spindle picker.

SWMRU needs assistance in harvesting approximately 60 acres of cotton located at 4006 Old Leland Rd, Leland, MS. The crops were planted on 40-inch row spacing.

Bidders are encouraged to visit the site and be escorted by a government representative to confirm locations, dimensions, and conditions of the contract before a bid is submitted. The site visit shall be for the purpose of observing firsthand any conditions relevant to the completion of this contract. No consideration will be given to claims based on lack of knowledge of existing conditions, except where contract documents make definite provisions for adjustment in cost or extension due to existing conditions not readily foreseeable.

Contractor must be registered in System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submitting a bid. Registration can be obtained through: https://www.sam.gov/ This contract will be effective for the year 2021.

B. Objective The objective of this contract is to establish an agreement with a contractor to provide crop harvesting for cotton to ARS in the fields located at 4006 Old Leland Rd, Leland, MS.

C. Contractor Responsibility

· Collaborate with ARS employees on timing of harvest, operation of the picker, transfer of seed cotton from harvester to boll buggy, module builder, or wagon, as needed.

· ARS staff should be kept informed regarding the harvesting plan so research equipment can be protected against possible damage.

· Contractor will use ARS equipment and fuel to perform the work as listed above.

· Contractor will coordinate harvest operations to assist ARS employees in the harvesting process.