Self-propelled forage plot harvester

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service seeks one self-propelled forage plot harvester with integrated weighing, sample processing, and online NIR measurement capabilities, with quotations due September 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM Central Time. This acquisition is a small business set-aside, NAICS 333111 with a 1,250-employee size standard.

Place of performance is Logan, Utah (USDA ARS PWA Forage and Range Research facility at Utah State University). Delivery is required within 90 days of award.

The harvester must feature a 1,510 mm cutting width double knife cutter bar, 1,200-liter weighing hopper with electronic scale (500 kg capacity, 100-gram separation), hydraulically driven reel with brushes, and sample handling system diverting approximately 20 percent of crop material. Critical specifications include a 270 mm sample chopper with hydraulically driven auger, sample balance accurate to ±2 grams for samples up to 5 kg, and an online NIR measurement system with dual-beam diode array spectrometer featuring 0/45 circular measuring geometry, halogen lamp illumination, and hydraulically driven piston module with infrared temperature sensing. The cabin must include air conditioning, radio, wipers, windshield washer, heating, air-suspended seats with armrests, and emergency-off button. Engine is a 2.9-liter turbocharged diesel (55 kW/75 HP) with 24 VDC electrical system, 80-liter fuel tank, and permanent hydrostatic four-wheel drive capable of 0–10 km/h and 0–20 km/h speed levels.

Award will be firm fixed price on a lowest price technically acceptable basis, with evaluation of price fairness and reasonableness, technical acceptability, and past performance. Quotations must remain firm for 90 calendar days from the due date. Technical questions are due three days before solicitation closing.