Phenotyping Robotic Platform

The USDA Agricultural Research Service is seeking a Phenotyping Robotic Platform under solicitation number 1232SA26Q0867, issued as a Firm Fixed Price Request for Quote in accordance with FAR Part 12 for commercial items. This procurement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS Code 333248, restricted to small businesses, including HUBZone small businesses, and requires all offerors to certify compliance with Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, specifically prohibiting any DEI initiatives that violate Title VI or VII of the Civil Rights Act. The platform must be a rugged, modular robotic system capable of autonomous operation across variable field terrains, with a runtime of up to eight hours, sustained speeds of five miles per hour, a payload capacity of 700 pounds, and towing capacity of 1,000 pounds via hitch. It must include an API-enabled central processing unit to synchronize data streams from RGB cameras, LIDAR, GPS, thermal, and humidity sensors, along with built-in safety controls such as brakes, stop buttons, and traction systems. Delivery of the single unit is required by September 14, 2026, with a 60-day delivery window after award, to the USDA/ARS/FRR facility in Logan, Utah, under F.O.B. Destination terms. The award will follow a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) process, where technical acceptability—demonstrated through specifications, descriptive literature, and place of manufacture disclosure—is a non-negotiable threshold, and past performance must be acceptable or neutral. The contract includes mandatory clauses such as whistleblower protections, prohibitions on internal confidentiality agreements, accelerated payments to small business subcontractors, combating human trafficking, security exclusions, and compliance with Buy American and electronic funds transfer requirements. All proposals must include pricing for all line items, hold prices firm for 90 calendar days, and be submitted by July 7, 2026, at 1600 CT, with questions directed to melissa.santos@usda.gov no later than July 1, 2026. The contract will be subject to deobligation of unliquidated funds exceeding $1,000 at closeout and enforcement of applicable FAR and AGAR provisions, including recent DEI and trafficking compliance requirements.