Sources sought - combine-mounted in-line near infared spectrophotometer

Sources are being sought to determine if there are manufacturers/contractors available offering a domestically sourced item that meets the minimum description outlined below. This is not a solicitation Announcement or Request for Proposal. It does not constitute any commitment by the Government. No award will result from this notice. The purpose is to conduct market research to gain knowledge of potentially qualified domestic sources. Responses to this Sources Sought Notice will be used by the Government to make an appropriate acquisition decision. The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will not award a contract on the basis of responses or pay for the preparation of any information submitted. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this notice. After completing an analysis of the responses, the Government will determine whether to proceed with issuing an unrestricted solicitation, inviting full and open competition.

Purpose:

ARS Acquisition and Property Division (APD), Acquisition seeks to determine the availability and capability of potential businesses offering a domestically available source of supply for the project below. The information received resulting from this market research will be considered for the purpose of determining domestically available sources.

Product Information:

• The Government seeks information from qualified and experienced contractors capable of providing a domestically sourced In-line Near Infrared Spectrophotometer for Research Plot Combine.

Current Known Source:  WINTERSTEIGER Seedmech North America

USA Head Office, Service Point Midwest

1409 Laurel Street

IA 50073 Elkhart, United States

Place of Performance: USDA, ARS, 1066 Bogue St. rm 366, East Lansing, MI 48824.

Anticipated Solicitation Release: August 30, 2026

Estimated Delivery: Delivery is expected within ten weeks after award.  

Description of Supply and Service

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS must meet or exceed the following:

Provide and install on existing Wintersteiger research plot combine an in-line NIR spectrophotometer with the following capabilities

• A mechanically rugged diode array NIR spectrometer suitable for operation on a crop harvesting combine in operation in the field.
• 850 to 1650 nm spectral range
• A 256 pixel thermoelectrically cooled InGaAs photodiode array detector
• Spectral resolution with a 90 μm slit < 8 nm
• Absolute wavelength accuracy < 0.5 nm
• No moving optical parts
• 3D transmission grating polychromator including order filter
• sensor IP64 protection rating
• capable of measuring acceptable reflection spectra of bean samples in 10 milliseconds or less
• controlled by software capable of interacting with Wintersteiger Quantum Plot Combine Harvest Master data collection system to read and record field trial plot ids, initiate tens of repeat measurements and stop measurements after a time specified in settings or by the operator
• All spectral data collected is available to user
• software can routinely measure and save spectra from a single check sample for periodic measurement to test instrument stability and consistency
• electronic dosing slide to ensure a uniform material flow across the NIRS lens
• Assembling parts for the spectrometer in the cabin including the wiring
• Training on instrument use

Disclaimers:

1. This notice is posted in accordance with FAR Part 5.2.
2. In accordance with FAR Part 4.1102, Procedures, System for Award Management (SAM), potential contractors must be registered in SAM prior to submitting responses, proposals, bids, or quotes. Offerors may obtain information on registration at https://www.sam.gov.
3. Any potential future solicitations will be posted exclusively on SAM.gov. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring this website for the release of solicitation and any updates or amendments.
4. Do NOT submit proposals, bids, or quotes at this time.
5. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this notice.

Instructions For Interested Parties, Capabilities:

Companies who have experience, as well as an interest in doing business with ARS, should submit a Capabilities Statement which, for this notice, is not expected to be a proposal, but rather short statements regarding the company’s ability to demonstrate their expertise and experience in relation to the areas specified in this notice. Companies should also indicate whether they are a Small Business, SBA-certified HUBZone, SBA-certified 8(a), SDVOSB, or Women-Owned Small Business as well as the Country of Origin of the proposed instrument and accessories. Responses should be submitted by August 17, 2026, no later than 12:00 p.m. PST to the attention of Brian Fien at brian.fien@usda.gov.