USDA-ARS-MWA, Contracting Office, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604

66 -- FEED AND FORAGE ANALYZER, FOSS MODEL 6500 SOL 5114-8-0101 DUE 073098 POC Lori J. Houghton, (309) 681-6616 The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Midwest Area, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, Madison, WI has the requirement for a Foss Model 6500 (or equal) Feed & Forage Analyzer. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation No. 5114-8-0101 is being issued as a Request for Quotation. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-05. The solicitation is 100% set-aside for small businesses. Standard Industrial Classification Code 3826 with a corresponding size standard of 500 employees applies to qualify as a small business. CLIN (Contract Line Item Number) 0001: Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) Spectrometer, Foss Feed & Forage Model 6500 with transport sample presentation module for unground samples and NIRS-2 software, Foss Part No. TR-3762-C, or equal: 1 each; CLIN 0002 Sample cup holder for transport module, Foss Part No. IH-0317, or equal: 1 each; CLIN 0003 Transport quarter cups (Pkg of 6), Foss Part No. IH-0379, or equal: 1 each; CLIN 0004 Transporter quarter cup disposal backs, Foss Part no. IH-0381, or equal: 1 each; CLIN 0005 Trade-in allowance of existing Foss Mark II, Model 6350, 1 each. Salient characteristics "equals" must meet: The system must have the ability to scan from the visible to NIR wavelengths (400 to 2500 nanometers), using a scanning monochrometer to collect data over the complete wavelength range, with a wave length accuracy of 0.20 nanometers. The system must support a sample presentation module with at least 200 ml capacity that can be used to scan unground or coarsely chopped forage materials, and generate data files that are compatible with InfraSoft International software used to analyze spectra and develop calibration equations and statistical analysis. The system must be compatible with forage calibration equations that are used to predict the chemical composition of hay, haylage, corn silage, soybean meal, small grain silages, total mixed rations, alfalfa pellets and cubes, and California alfalfa hay. The equipment must provide a standardization of spectra across instruments so that calibration equations developed from research at the US Dairy Forage Research Center can be used directly by laboratories with similar instruments. The system must be compatible with existing Foss instruments so that machines can be spectrally matched and information can be exchanged. FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial, FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, and FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items apply to this acquisition. Quotations will be evaluated on price, past performance, and proof of meeting the salient characteristics listed above. Companies proposing "equals" must submit descriptive literature. Offers to include a commercial warranty for equipment. Payment will be made 30 calendar days after acceptance of equipment. Equipment will be shipped FOB Destination to: US Dairy Forage Research Center, 1925 Linden Drive West, Madison, WI 53706-1108. The government will be responsible for the freight and packaging of the trade-in unit. Delivery of equipment to be within 60 days after receipt of award. Offer must include a 30 calendar day acceptance period. Offers are to be received Not Later than the Close of Business, July 30, 1998 at USDA-ARS-MWA, Contracting Office, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604. The POC for this acquisition is Lori J. Houghton, (309) 681-6616, or E-Mail: houghtol@ars.usda.gov Posted 07/15/98 (W-SN223426). (0196)

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