Sources Sought for a Row-Crop Plant

The USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research Unit in Columbia, Missouri has a requirement for a Row-Crop Planter. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY and the SOLICITATION IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. This notice is for information and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or an obligation on the part of the government. All interested vendors must be registered in the SAM database to be considered for any awards. See FAR clause 52.204-7 for registration instructions. The registration is free. Website for FAR clauses is: https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html#wp1137850. ROW-CROP PLANTER SPECIFICATIONS: The intent of these procurement criteria is to provide the purchasing framework for the acquisition of one (1) row-crop planter. 6/11 split-row configuration. That is, a standard 6-row planter with a 30-inch row spacing and a second set of row units between the 30-inch rows for 11 rows on a 15-inch row spacing. Ability to raise and lock up second set of row units so that only the six 30-inch rows are engaging the soil Drawn (towed) configuration Vacuum-based seed delivery system Independently operating gauge wheels (may be referred to by different manufacturers as "load equalizing", "walking", etc.) Individual row seed boxes, 1.5 bushel minimum capacity Pneumatic down-force with manually adjustable setting Granular insecticide delivery system on 6 main rows Liquid fertilizer delivery system, including tanks (300 gal. minimum), piston pump, distribution manifold, and hoses to convey fertilizer to the 6 main rows. Fertilizer openers not required. Seed monitoring system. Preferred to be ISOBUS- compatible for use with John Deere Greenstar monitor available in existing tractor that will be used to pull planter. Stand-alone monitor a less-preferable alternate. Marker arms not required. RTK guidance on existing tractor will be used. Frame only for attaching closing wheels. User will supply closing wheels. Row cleaner/row tillage attachments not required. User will supply. Seed disks for corn (6), soybean (11), sorghum (6), sugar beets (11) and small edible beans (11) Delivery and setup included The deadline for responding to this Sources Sought Notice is Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. CDT. In responding to this notice, please provide your company name, address, email address, phone/fax number, and DUNS number. Responses should be sent to Karen L. Reddick at Karen.Reddick@ars.usda.gov or by fax to 573-449-6148. No information will be taken by telephone.