Experimental plot combine (UW-MAD)[20-0083]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, located in Dane County, is seeking to procure an experimental plot combine for the Department of Agronomy's Cereal Breeding and Quantitative Genetic Group. The combine is intended to harvest approximately 6,000 plots across 20 different yield trials at 8 different sites, with the goal of improving field work efficiency, safety, and worker comfort. Mandatory specifications include a two-person cab, pneumatic cleanout system, Harvestmaster H2 Grain Gage weighing system, and a combine weighing no more than 8,000 pounds to ensure compatibility with existing equipment. Bidders must provide five business references from public or private wheat, barley, or oat breeding programs currently using the offered combine model in the United States. The bid is due by 2:00 p.m. CDT on April 30, 2020, with written questions accepted until April 21, 2020. Desired delivery is by the first week of July 2020, with the option to provide a loaner unit if the primary unit cannot be delivered on time. The University reserves the right to require oral presentations, product demonstrations, and vendor site visits prior to award.

There are no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations mentioned in the procurement documents. Bidders must be original manufacturers, authorized distributors, or dealers with service and repair capabilities, and must provide three client references from comparable institutions served within the past three years. The bid requires vendors to offer unlimited call-back maintenance service during normal business hours, with 24-hour response during the harvest season (July 15 through August 15) and 30-day response at other times. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the procurement includes provisions for additional optional service contracts covering years one through five post-warranty. The University qualifies for governmental and educational discounts, which must be reflected in unit pricing. Bid prices must remain firm for 60 days from the opening date, with payment to be made Net 30 days following acceptance of goods. The combine must remain available in the United States for a minimum of three years post-purchase to ensure parts and service availability.