Diet Preparation Machine

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Pest Management and Biocontrol Research unit in Maricopa, AZ has a requirement for a "Diet Packet Maker Machine". The Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit mission is to develop unique and improved biological, behavioral, cultural, and genetic based methods to reduce losses by insects and mites affecting crops in arid land production areas of the U.S. The goals are economically, socially and environmentally acceptable pest population suppression technologies based on the use of behavioral chemicals, genetics, cultural practices, biological control, sampling and decision aids, modeling and population dynamics of pests and their natural enemies. Emphasis is placed on development of fully integrated, ecologically-based management strategies in a changing agricultural environment that includes recognition of the agriculture-urban interface. We currently have a small culture of insects that needs to be greatly expanded to meet future research goals. We rear the current culture on artificial diet that is presented to the insects in small Parafilm packets. An automated system is needed for making insect diet packets constructed of Parafilm and filled with a liquid artificial diet. The system should be capable of forming the packet, filling it with diet and sealing it in one continuous sequence at a rapid rate (1000/s per day). The same system will also need to be flexible enough to make similar packets filled with a dilute agar solution that will be used as an oviposition medium. The machine should be simply to operate and maintain and be easy to clean and sterilize on a periodic basis. Specifications for Diet Preparation Machine Ability to form 4-sided, sealed packets made from Parafilm ranging in size from 1 x 2" to 4 x 5" Microprocessor operation to allow timing and sequencing of packet construction Strip counter to measure production runs from continuous packet material (like Parafilm) Delivery speeds of up to 50 packets per minute Liquid handling and pump system to deliver heated liquids of varying viscosities to packets Ability to clean and sterilize liquid delivery tubing Quotations may be submitted via fax or e-mail on company letterhead stationary or your standard quotation form and must include the following information: DUNS Number: Must be registered for CCR.GOV in order to be considered for this award. Shipping Cost: FBO - Destination Pricing is preferred: however if you choose to quote FOB Origin, please provide your estimated shipping cost. Delivery Schedule: Please provide your proposed delivery with your quotation. Evaluation: Quotations received in response to this synopsis/solicitation shall be evaluated on lowest price technically acceptable, Past performance, and price. The following FAR Clauses apply to this solicitation. Offerors may obtain full text versions of these clauses electronically at www.arnet.gov.far FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (June 2010) FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms & Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items (May 2011) FAR 52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration (April 2008) FAR 52.223-15 Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (December 2007) All quotes must be submitted by Monday, July 11, 2011 by 9:00 am Mountain Standard Time by fax (520) 316-6329 or email sheri.marcelo@ars.usda.gov Attachment - SF-18