Stripper Header for a Small Plot Combine

PROCUREMENT OVERVIEW:
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking proposals for the procurement of a stripper header designed for use with a small plot combine. The primary objective of this procurement is to enhance agricultural research capabilities by acquiring specialized equipment that will facilitate the harvesting of crops in small plot settings. This equipment is essential for conducting experiments and trials that require precise and efficient harvesting methods.

ISSUING ORGANIZATION:
The issuing organization is the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), 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 is not explicitly stated in the provided information. The estimated contract value or budget range is also not mentioned. There are no indications of option years included in the procurement details.

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

• Registration in SAM.gov is required.
• There are no specified security clearances needed.
• No set-aside restrictions are mentioned, indicating that this opportunity may be open to all bidders.
• No geographic restrictions or place-of-performance requirements are specified.
• There are no minimum years of experience or past performance requirements outlined.
• Bonding or insurance requirements are not detailed in the opportunity.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES:
Bidders should possess specific technical skills and expertise related to agricultural equipment, particularly in the design and functionality of stripper headers for small plot combines. Familiarity with agricultural research methodologies and the ability to meet the operational requirements of such equipment is essential.

DELIVERABLES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
The key deliverables include the provision of a stripper header that meets the specifications set forth by the USDA ARS. Specific milestones, reporting requirements, and performance metrics are not detailed in the provided information.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
The evaluation criteria for proposals have not been explicitly stated. However, bidders should prepare to demonstrate their technical approach, past performance, and pricing. The evaluation may consider a best-value approach, but this is not confirmed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
While not mandatory, preferred qualifications that may enhance a bidder's competitiveness include:

• Experience in manufacturing or supplying agricultural equipment, particularly for research purposes.
• Familiarity with USDA standards and practices in agricultural research.
• Any relevant certifications related to agricultural equipment manufacturing or safety standards.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the opportunity for potential bidders, outlining the essential requirements and considerations for assessing fit with the USDA ARS procurement needs.