Turn-key System to Measure Gas Fluxes

This special notice is in accordance with FAR 5.2, Synopses of Proposed Contract Action. This is a notice of intent to make a sole source award and is not a solicitation or request for competitive quotes.

This award will be made utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with: Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-2)(1) For purchases exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. The requirements at 13.501(a) apply to sole-source (including brand-name) acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services conducted pursuant to subpart 13.5.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service has a requirement to purchase three (3) turn-key systems to measure gas fluxes.  The contractor shall be required to deliver, install, and provide training for the systems.  The system locations are: 

Unit 1: U.S. High Plains Grasslands Research Station, Cheyenne, WY

Unit 2: U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE

Unit 3: U.S. Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research, Marshfield, WI

USDA-ARS MWA Procurement Office in Peoria, IL intends to make a firm fixed price sole source award under the authority 13.106-2)(1), only one responsible source, to:

C-Lock Inc

1350 Concourse DR.

Rapid City, South Dakota 57703

The objective of this sole source award is to procure three (3) turn-key systems to measure gas fluxes which meet the following specifications necessary for each location below.

• Unit 1 (Cheyenne, WY)
  • Two (2) Turn-key systems designed to measure gas fluxes of Methane (CH4), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Oxygen (O2), and Hydrogen (H2) from individual animals Pasture System Skid to include solar power, modem, wind sensor, and auto calibration. Also includes  supply of certified calibration gas, span gas, regulators, and CO2 cartridges. Complete height of unit is 105" or 2.67m.
  • Two (2) Dual-hopper systems
  • Two (2) Oxygen Sample System
  • Two (2) Hydrogen Sample System
  • Two (2) wireless data line subscription for data transfer. One subscription per modem, up to 1GB of data.
  • Equipment shall be suitable for high latitude operation. Includes heated manifold, dish, and cold weather durable wiring
  • 1-year Service Contract - Includes Data Access, Hardware and Software Support and Maintenance.
  • The Contractor shall provide
    • Installation
    • Hands on Training
    • An online user interface training that will review product settings and data.
    • Travel and Related Expense
    • Shipping and Handling - Calibration gases are hazard materials and will be shipped separately to the unit. 
  • Delivery shall be made to U.S. High Plains Grasslands Research Station. 8408 Hildreth Road. Cheyenne, WY 82009-8899

• Unit 2 (Clay Center, NE)
  • Two (2) Turn-key systems designed to measure gas fluxes of Methane (CH4), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Oxygen (O2), and Hydrogen (H2) from individual animals Pasture System Skid to include solar power, modem, wind sensor, and auto calibration. Also includes supply of certified calibration gas, span gas, regulators, and CO2 cartridges.;
  • Two (2) Oxygen Sample System
  • Two (2) Hydrogen Sample System
  • Two (2) Wireless data line subscription for data transfer. One subscription per modem, up to 1GB of data.
  • One (1) Dual-hopper system
  • 1-year Service Contract - Includes Data Access, Hardware and Software Support and Maintenance for length 1 year.
  • The Contractor shall provide
    • Installation,
    • Hands on Training and
    • An online user interface training that will review product settings and data.
    • Travel and Related Expenses
    • Shipping and Handling - Calibration gases are hazard materials and will be shipped separately from your unit.
  • Delivery shall be made to U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, 844 Rd 313, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166

• Unit 3 (Marshfield, WI)  **Existing System:  Three GreenFeed Pasture Systems with solar power, modem, wind sensor, and auto calibration.
  • Three (3) Oxygen Sample System – Must be compatible with existing system *
  • Three (3) Hydrogen Sample System – Must be compatible with existing system**
  • One (1) Wireless data line subscription for data transfer. One subscription per modem, up to 1GB of data.
  • The Contractor shall provide
    • Installation
    • Hands on Training
    • An online user interface training that will review product settings and data.
    • Travel and Related Expense
    • Shipping and Handling - Calibration gases are hazard materials and will be shipped separately to the unit. 
  • Delivery shall be made to U.S. Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research; 2615 Yellowstone Drive; Marshfield, WI 54449-0000

As such, purchase from C-Lock LLC. has been determined to be required as they are the only vendor available that meets all of the requirements outlined above.

The NAICS code for this requirement is 333111 (Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,250 Employees. The PSC code for this requirement is 3730 Dairy, Poultry and Livestock Equipment. NO solicitation or solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is NOT a request for competitive quotations; however, interested vendors that regard themselves as capable of providing a product that can fulfill the requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Interested parties may identify their interests and capability to respond to this requirement by NO later than Friday, May 3rd (05/03/2024) at 2:00PM (CT) to Debora Wells at debora.wells@usda.gov . NO phone calls will be accepted. The e-mail subject line shall include: 12505B24Q0052 Greenfeed.

Any submission in response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence as well as be in sufficient enough detail to show that they can provide a product that would meet the Government’s need and that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement.

Again, this is NOT a request for competitive quotes. This notice is for informational purposes only. Responses received shall be considered by the agency; however, determination by the Government whether or not to compete this proposed award upon response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. No reimbursement for any cost connected with providing capability information will be provided