Tractor for planting/harvesting with forklift attachment

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service seeks quotation for one tractor equipped for planting and harvesting with forklift attachment, with quotations due August 24 and questions due August 18 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. The acquisition is unrestricted with no small-business set-aside; all responsible sources may submit.

Place of performance is Prosser, Washington (24106 N. Bunn Road, Tri-State Field Variety Research Unit). The tractor must meet technical specifications including minimum 55 horsepower, 68-inch center-to-center wheel spacing, tire width not exceeding 14 inches, creeper gear capability enabling ground speeds below 1 mph, ROPS (Rollover Protective Structure), and capability to accommodate an Edwards Forklift mounted to the front. The unit is to replace a 1989 John Deere 2355 currently in the Potato Pathology program. All parts must be new and approved; alternate parts are authorized only if they satisfy all form, fit, and function requirements of original specifications. Delivery is required within 90 days of award, F.O.B. destination unless offeror specifies F.O.B. origin with included shipping costs.

Award will be made on a firm fixed-price basis to the offeror representing best value. Evaluation criteria are technical approach (demonstrating ability to meet schedule and clearly explaining any requirements that cannot be accomplished), price (offerors failing to provide pricing for all line items will be excluded), and past performance (rated acceptable, neutral, or unacceptable). Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from offer receipt. The NAICS code is 333111 (Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing); small business size standard is 1,250 employees. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation prepared under FAR Part 12 for commercial items; this announcement constitutes the only solicitation and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.