Intent to sole osurce

This is NOT a request for quote-

USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA intends to award a sole source purchase order to RCI.

The USDA-ARS intends to purchase the below:

1. Research Plot Flail harvester (as opposed to sickle bar) with a cutting width of 48

Inches.

2 . Self-propelled front mower mount system, powered by a John Deer Terrain Cut

Mower.

3. Full mechanical drive system.

4. Re-cutter blower for particle size reduction.

5. Two hopper system with hydraulic doors: Smaller (15 cubic ft) Number one stage sample

Hopper for obtaining plot weights and samples; larger (42 cubic ft) Number two stage rear

Hopper for accumulated forage mass.

The requested harvester is only manufactured by RCI. This is the only harvester that is made to attach to existing equipment. The specific harvester is required as it is specific for our alfalfa harvesting which is currently being done by hand. This is the only harvester that is small enough to attach to a tractor and be used in the smaller plots used for research. Other harvesters sold are too large to meet our need and will not fit on our smaller plots we use for alfalfa. This is also the only harvester that is sold that can be attached to our existing John Deere tractor.

Our justification to award is in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1 - Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

All inquiries on this action can be submitted in writing via email to Brian.Fien@ars.usda.gov NO LATER THAN 31 August 2018 @ 12:00PM PST. All information shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the Government.

Notice of Intent to Sole Source

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