Supertrak Chopzilla, or comparable orchard hedger/topper

PROCUREMENT OVERVIEW

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking to procure a Supertrak Chopzilla or a comparable orchard hedger/topper. The primary objective of this procurement is to enhance agricultural research capabilities by acquiring a specialized piece of equipment that can effectively manage orchard hedging and topping tasks. This equipment is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of orchards, thereby supporting ongoing agricultural research initiatives.

ISSUING ORGANIZATION

The issuing organization is the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The organization is located in Maryland, USA. The primary contact for this opportunity is Richard Hawthorne, who can be reached via email at [email protected].

KEY DATES

• Posted Date: August 3, 2026
• Proposal Due Date: August 7, 2026
• Anticipated Award Date: Not specified
• Performance Period: Not specified

CONTRACT DETAILS

The contract type for this procurement has not been explicitly stated in the provided information. Additionally, there is no mention of the estimated contract value or budget range. It is unclear whether there are any option years associated with this contract.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Bidders must meet the following mandatory requirements to be considered eligible:

• Certifications and Registrations: Registration in SAM.gov is required.
• Set-aside Restrictions: There are no specific set-aside restrictions mentioned, but bidders should verify eligibility based on small business classifications.
• Geographic Restrictions: No geographic restrictions or place-of-performance requirements are specified.
• Experience Requirements: Minimum years of experience or past performance requirements are not detailed.
• Insurance Requirements: No bonding or insurance requirements are mentioned.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Bidders must demonstrate specific technical capabilities related to the procurement of orchard hedging and topping equipment. While specific technologies or methodologies are not listed, familiarity with agricultural machinery and the ability to provide comparable equipment to the Supertrak Chopzilla is essential.

DELIVERABLES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Key deliverables and performance standards have not been detailed in the provided information. Bidders should be prepared to outline their proposed approach to delivering the equipment and any associated services.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation criteria for proposals have not been explicitly stated. Bidders should anticipate that proposals will be evaluated based on technical approach, past performance, and price, but specific weighting or priority of these factors is not provided.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

While not mandatory, bidders with the following qualifications may have a competitive advantage:

• Experience in providing agricultural machinery or similar equipment.
• Familiarity with the specific needs of agricultural research organizations.

In summary, bidders interested in this opportunity should focus on their ability to provide a comparable orchard hedger/topper, ensure compliance with mandatory requirements, and prepare for a competitive evaluation based on technical capabilities and past performance.