24 -- Tractor Lease

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; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation (number RFP 01-3K06-04) is hereby issued as a request for proposal (RFP). This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2001-22. This solicitation is being issued as a total small business set-aside. The applicable NAICS code and size standard for this application is 532490 and not greater than 500 employees. All responsible sources may submit a bid, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency.OBJECTIVES - The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service located in Beltsville, Maryland, requires 16 tractors for agricultural use with horsepower (HP) ranging from 60 to 165 power-take-off (PTO). Five of the tractors are required to have front-end loaders. This requirement is for a one-year lease with two option renewals. Tractors are used in the cultivation of experimental crops, production of feed for experimental livestock, and related activities. Agricultural operations include, but are not limited to, soil preparation, cultivation, spraying, mowing, harvesting, materials handling, etc. OVERALL REQUIREMENTS 1. The Contractor shall provide new, unused, current production tractors with the following minimum requirements: 2. The tractors, unless otherwise specified in - Minimum Requirements shall be the manufacturer's standard commercial product. Each tractor shall be equipped (unless specifically noted otherwise) with diesel engine, constant mesh or synchronized transmission with a minimum of 8 forward and 2 reverse gears, 3-point hitch with hydraulic lift-arms with stabilizer bars or sway block, or similar device to stabilize lift-arms; double-spool (4 hose openings) quick attach, poppet type remote hydraulic valves with breakaway couplers. Open or closed center hydraulic system, cold start system, standard drawbar, adjustable front axle, vertical exhaust, fire extinguisher, tires filled to 75% capacity with methyl alcohol solution, padded operator's seat with back rest and seat belts, tool box, foot throttle, and a rear work light. 3. All tractors shall be furnished with slow moving vehicle emblems, warning lights, turn signals and shall comply with requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor. 4. Tire size for each tractor has been specified to accommodate specific field and row crop conditions. 5. Specified tractors are to be furnished with wheel weights. Minimum requirements are specified in the individual requirements for each tractor. Tractors equipped with front-end loaders will not have front weights unless noted in the individual specifications. 6. All equipment furnished shall meet prescribed fuel economy standards. 7. All tractor cabs are to be factory installed. Tractors so equipped must have a re-circulating air-conditioner system and an AM-FM radio. 8. Item numbers will have grill guards to protect the front grills and radiators. 9. Abbreviations in specification titles: (E) indicates that the Government intends to use this equipment at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center-East (BARC-East), (L) indicates that the Government intends to use this equipment at BARC-East in support of the Research Livestock Services, (W) indicates that the Government intends to use this equipment at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center-West (BARC-West). 10. NTT stands for Nebraska Tractor Test. This is a tractor industry standard. It is the weight of a tractor with all fluids, options, etc. (Gross vehicle weight). MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR TRACTORS For a complete list of tractor requirements and specifications, see solicitation package attached to solicitation announcement, or visit http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/ppd/tractorlease.pdf. Item 01 (L) - Minimum 95 PTO HP Item 02 (L) - Minimum 60 PTO HP Item 02C (L) - Hydraulically operated quick-detachable front-end loader; lift capacity is no less than 2,500 lbs. Item 03 (E) - Minimum 80 PTO HP Item 04 (E) - Minimum 95 PTO HP Item 05 (E) - Minimum 95 PTO HP Item 06 (E) - Minimum 125 PTO HP Item 07 (E) - Minimum 115 PTO HP Item 07C (E) - Hydraulically operated self-leveling up and down front-end loader; lift capacity no less than 3,500 lbs. Item 08 (E) - Minimum 105 PTO HP Item 08C (E) - Hydraulically operated self-leveling up and down front-end loader; lift capacity no less than 3,500 lbs. Item 09 (E) - Minimum 165 PTO HP Item 10 (E) - Minimum 105 PTO HP Item 10C (E) - Hydraulically operated self-leveling up and down front-end loader; lift capacity no less than 3,500 lbs. Item 11 (W) - Minimum 60 PTO HP Item 12 (W) - Minimum 60 PTO HP Item 13 (W) - Minimum 70 PTO HP Item 14 (W) - Minimum 70 PTO HP Item 15 (W) - Minimum 85 PTO HP Item 15C (W) - Hydraulically operated front-end loader; lift capacity no less than 2,500 lbs. Item 16 (W) - Minimum 95 PTO HP SERIAL NUMBERS - At the time of delivery, the Contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer's Representatives (CORs), with a copy to the Contracting Officer, a listing of the serial numbers of all tractors and equipment delivered. CONTRACTOR MAINTENANCE - 1. The Contractor shall be or shall provide a local service representative to facilitate repair services. Response time for maintenance service by the Contractor shall be 48 hours after a request for assistance. The repairs and costs of repairs (including transportation), except when the government is negligent, shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. 2. The warranty for tractors and equipment shall be the manufacturer's standard warranty. Should the manufacturer's warranty not cover the entire period of the contract, the Contractor shall provide extended warranty coverage through the end of the contract. The extended warranty shall be equal in scope to that provided by the manufacturer. MAINTENANCE BY THE GOVERNMENT - 1. The government will use the equipment in a careful and prudent manner, properly lubricate as instructed in manufacturer's literature, properly house when not in use, and operate at all times by or under supervision of experienced and competent operators. The Government will confine the use of equipment to projects under its direction. 2. The Government will maintain the equipment in accordance with the service recommendations of the manufacturer. The manufacturer's service recommendations shall be provided by the Contractor with the equipment. Accurate maintenance records will be maintained by the Government on all preventive maintenance and will be provided to the Contractor upon request. During the term of this lease, unless terminated sooner, the Government shall, at its own expense, provide all fuel, lubricants, and normal operational maintenance, such as filters, anti-freeze, etc. HOURS OF USAGE The hours of usage of current tractors from September 1, 2001, through March 1, 2004 are for (L) BARC-East in support of the Research Livestock Services: 95 PTO - 4445 hrs, 50 PTO w/ loader - 349 hrs. The hours of usage of current tractors from September 1, 2001, through March 1, 2004 are for (E) BARC-East in support of Land Operations: 75 PTO - 1046 hrs, 95 PTO - 1072 hrs, 95 PTO - 726 hrs, 115 PTO - 1166 hrs, 115 PTO w/ loader - 1781 hrs, 105 PTO w/ loader - 1915 hrs, 145 PTO - 1018 hrs. The hours of usage of current tractors from September 1, 2001, through March 1, 2004 are for (W) BARC-West in support of Land Operations: 60 PTO w/loader - 359 hrs, 60 PTO - 338 hrs, 72 PTO - 616 hrs, 72 PTO - 552 hrs, 85 PTO w/loader - 517 hrs, 95 PTO - 422 hrs. REQUIRED TIME OF DELIVERY All items must be delivered F.O.B. Destination on 10/1/04; offers that cannot meet the required delivery will be considered nonresponsive and rejected. DELIVERY LOCATION (AGAR 452.247-70 DELIVERY LOCATION (FEB 1988)) Shipment of deliverable items, other than reports, shall be to: LOT (L) BARC-East in support of the Research Livestock Services: USDA/ARS/ANRI, 10300 Baltimore Blvd., Bldg. 177C, BARC - East, Beltsville, MD 20705 LOT (E) BARC-East in support of Land Operations: USDA/ARS, Farm Operations, 10300 Baltimore Blvd., Bldg. 301, BARC - West, Beltsville, MD 20705 LOT (W) BARC-West in support of Land Operations: USDA/ARS, Farm Operations, 10300 Baltimore Blvd., Bldg. 030, BARC - West, Beltsville, MD 20705 PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES For a complete list of applicable provisions and clauses, see solicitation package attached to solicitation announcement, or visit http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/ppd/tractorlease.pdf. SUBMISSION OF OFFERS - Offers must be submitted according to the - Schedule of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs available at http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/ppd/tractorlease.pdf (web address must be typed exactly as it appears into the web address bar to reach document). Offers must also include a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2004). Offers are due by 3:00pm E.S.T., Monday, May 10, 2004 and shall be delivered by email to contact@example.gov, fax to +1 (555) 000-0000, or postal service to USDA/ARS/AFM/APD, ATTN: Heather Scanio, 5601 Sunnyside Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705-5116. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - For additional information, please contact Heather Scanio, Contract Specialist at +1 (555) 000-0000. For a complete solicitation package, including a blank - Schedule of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs, visit http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/ppd/tractorlease.pdf.