USDA-ARS-FAA, Richard B. Russell Center, 950 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605-2720

24 -- TRACTOR WITH TOP/SIDE HEDGING MACHINE SOL RFQ-023-4384-98 DUE 091198 POC Pat Lang, Procurement Assistant, (706)546-3533); Alan Moore, Contracting Officer, (706) 546-3530. (i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; prices are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. (ii) This solicitation number RFQ-023-4384-98 is issued as a request for quotation. (iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-4. (iv) This procurement is unrestricted. The standard industrial classification code is 3523. The small business size standard is 500 employees. (v) CLIN 1 -- Top/side hedging tractor, one each. (vi) A tractor equipped with a hedging machine is required that is capable of hedging both small and large pecan trees. It may be new or used. The machine must be able to perform both side and top hedging operations. This means that the cutting head must be able to tilt to perform angled top-cuts ranging from flat to 40 degrees. It must be able to perform side cuts with angles of zero to ten degrees from vertical. It must be capable of side cuts to a height of at least 50 feet from the ground and producing a hedging height of at least 45 feet at the peak (top) of the tree. Specifications for the tractor and hedging machine are as follows. Engine: heavy equipment-type diesel (at least four cylinders) with not more than 2,500 hours of usage. Drive: hydro-static. Drive: four wheel. Steering: four wheel. Tires: At least 14.00 x 24 duals all around and capable of maneuvering over limb debris in grass sod or bare soil orchards. Throttle: hand operated. Tower vertical movement: Up to 38 feet. Maximum side hedging height: at least 50 feet. Cutting head: at least six circular saws that are butted to give a continuous cut. Saws: at least 36 inches in diameter. Cutting head swath: at least 18 feet. Cutting head counter weight: extendable counterweights sufficient to offset weight of the cutting head. Operator protection: The operator compartment is to be protected by steel barriers and shall meet any applicable OSHA standards. User instruction: Training shall be provided on safe operation and maintenance of the machine. (vii) Delivery shall be FOB Destination, USDA Southeast Fruit and Nut Tree Research Lab, 21 Dunbar Rd, Byron, GA 31108, within 45 days of contract award. Acceptance shall be made at destination. (viii) The provision as 52.212-1, Instruction to Offerors -- Commercial, applies to this acquisition. (ix) The contracting officer will make award based on price and price-related factors. (x) Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror/Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, with its proposal. (xi) FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. (xii) FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following FAR clauses cited in 52.212-5 are applicable to this acquisition: 52.203-6; 52.219-8; 52.222-26; 52.222-35; 52.222-36; 52.222-37; 52.225-3; 52.225-21. (xiii) The contractor shall extend to the Government the full coverage of any standard commercial warranty normally offered in a similar commercial sale, provided such warranty is available at no additional cost to the Government. Acceptance of the standard commercial warranty does not waive the Government's rights under the Inspection clause nor does it limit the Government's rights with regard to the other terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of a conflict, the terms and conditions of the contract shall take precedence over the standard commercial warranty. The contractor shall provide a copy of its standard commercial warranty (if applicable) with its response. (xiv) Responses are due by 4:00 p.m. local time, September 11, 1998, at USDA Agricultural Research Service, 950 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605-2720 (or P. O. Box 5677, Athens, GA 30604-5677). Please place the solicitation number on the outside of your envelope. Quotations shall remain valid for 90 days. (xv) Point of contact for this acquisition is Alan Moore, Contracting Officer, (706) 546-3533, fax (706) 546-3444. Posted 08/12/98 (W-SN236018). (0224)

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