Seed Counter

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation number 12505B21Q0176 is issued as a request for quote (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2021-06. This solicitation will be a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside. The associated NAICS code is 333999 with a small business size standard of 500 employees and the PSC code is 6695.

The Department of Agriculture (ARS) has the need for the following products:

001) Seed Counter

Scope of Work:

The USDA-ARS North Central Region Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS) located in Ames, IA is requesting quotes for a seed counter for processing and filling seed requests.

Background:

The current seed counters utilized by the NCRPIS seed storage and distribution group are no longer supported by the manufacturer and have reached or exceeded design life. Accurate, efficient counting of seed to fill accession requests received through GRIN-Global is essential to meeting the mission goals of the program.

Technical Requirements:

The quoted unit must meet the following requirements.

1. Easy clean out of remnant seed after counting of seed lot is complete without removing a bowl or part of machine. Discharge of remnant seed should be fast and complete.
2. Clearly defined seed loading chamber for ease of loading adequate source seed and not overload.
3. Quiet operation. Most seed counters are vibration, bowl-based technology which generates noise level high enough to advise hearing protection. Seed counter not based on vibration technology preferred to reduce worker noise exposure.
4. Barcode scanning capability to verify correct seed identity and seed counts in each packet. Scanning system that is a camera based, smart barcode reader compatible with multiple bar code types (Aztec, Data Matrix, and QR) and able to learn new systems. Advanced barcode system must meet our current standard and can adapt to future changes.
5. Carousel to allow counting multiple packets for same seed source. Reduces repetitive motion pattern for operator and reduces potential for errors. Carousel unit to allow each packet to be barcode scanned and capable of 1 to 10+ packets per entry.
6. Self-contained unit that does not require link to laptop or pad computer to operate with full functionality. This reduces cost of operation and seed lab space needed to operate.
7. Space need for unit must be compatible with current seed lab workstations. Seed counting workstations allow for 30” x 36” work bench area for seed counter.
8. Access to proven service of unit after purchase. Seed counters being replaced can no longer be serviced.       

Evaluation Factors: 

Quotes will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1.  Technical performance as outlined above

2.  Price relative to technical performance

3.  Manufacturer technical and service support

Key Deliverables:

• Seed Counter
• Foot Switch
• Hand Held Bar Code Scanning Capability
• USB Data Port
• Standard Envelope Bar Code Reader

Delivery:

Delivery to be made to USDA-ARS Plant Introduction located at 1305 State Avenue, Ames, IA 50014 within 45 days of date of award.

The vendor shall provide all items F.O.B: destination. Location of the Government site is aboard USDA-ARS Ames, IA and will be identified in the contract. The Government anticipates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract

Submitting a Quote:

To be eligible for an award, all contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with a current and active registration. A contractor can contact SAM by calling 1-866-606-8220 or e-mail at www.sam.gov. NO EXCEPTIONS. A DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet) number is required in order to register. Vendor must also include their DUNS# on their quote.

Also, to be eligible, all vendors must be NDAA 889 Certified. If they do not currently have a NDAA 889 Certification, then they must complete the attached NDAA 889 Certification form and submit it to aaron.dimeo@usda.gov so that they can be added to the list of NDAA 889 Certified vendors.

The submission and payment of invoices on the resulting contract will be made through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). As such, vendors must be currently registered or register in IPP in order to be able to submit and receive payment on invoices for the resulting contract.  

Offerors responding to this announcement shall submit their quote on SF 1449 (see attached). The quote should include all fees, delivery charges, and/or surcharges. This will be a tax-exempt purchase.

Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Please email all quotes in writing on the SF 1449 to aaron.dimeo@usda.gov by no later than Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 12:00 PM Central Standard Time.

Questions in regards to this combined synopsis/solicitation must be submitted through email and are due no later than 5:00 PM CST on Wednesay, September 1, 2021. Answers to any questions received by that time will be posted as an amendment to this combined synopsis/solicitation.