1232SA26SS1165660 - Sources Sought for Baler Wrapper with Round Bale Grabber

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses from the government to questions submitted by potential vendors regarding a Request for Proposal (RFP).

• Bale Size: The government is amenable to adjusting baler settings to produce smaller bales (22") if needed, though the preferred size for compaction and silage preservation is 28" x 28".
• Bale Weight: Achieving the target weight of 200 lbs per bale is dependent on feedstock moisture and compaction targets. The vendor can adjust settings to get as close as possible, but it may be unattainable if the feedstock is too wet.
• Demo Unit: The government cannot accept a demo unit. While the 8/1/2026 deadline is negotiable, they require training on the actual purchased equipment, not a demo unit.
• Plastic Requirements: The government is requesting plastic for approximately 500-600 bales and will rely on manufacturer recommendations for plastic type (narrow/wide), Mil thickness, etc. They are primarily baling forages and other alternative plant materials. The quantity of bales made per year is dependent on research studies.
• Delivery Location: The machine is to be delivered to the Dairy Forage Research farm in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, not the Linden Drive location in Madison, WI.

The responses clarify bale size and weight expectations, plastic requirements, and confirm the delivery location. The 8/1/2026 deadline is noted as negotiable.

Amendment / Modification

Amendment 0001 to Request for Quotation No. 1232SA26Q0259 serves two primary purposes:

• Provides the Government's responses to contractor Requests for Information (RFIs).

• Updates the delivery point for the equipment.

• Delivery Point: Changed to USDA-ARS-MWA U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, S8822 Sunset Drive, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578.

• A signed copy of Amendment 0001 must be submitted with offers.

• The amendment provides responses to RFIs, which may impact how bidders prepare their offers.

• The document also references the "Baler Wrapper with Round Bale Grabber, Brand Name mfg Goweil LT- Master F60" and states that offers are being solicited on a Brand Name or Equal basis. Offerors are permitted to submit multiple quotations, with each "offered" product submitted separately.

• All invoices must be submitted electronically through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

Statement of Work (SOW)

To procure a new Forage Baler Wrapper and Round Bale Grabber to preserve fresh chopped forages and other materials for dairy cattle feeding studies. The equipment is needed to produce smaller, compact, and well-preserved silage bales, which is ideal for studies involving fewer dairy cattle or when silage supply is limited.

• Purchase of a Forage Baler Wrapper and Round Bale Grabber.
• The equipment should be capable of producing small, compacted, and well-preserved silage bales.
• This addresses the need for smaller bale sizes when fewer dairy cattle are involved and silage supply is limited, as opposed to large silo bags or bunkers.

Baler:

• Hydraulic powered bale chamber
• Hydraulic drive with multiple speed variations
• Fixed chamber baler with endless belt to minimize material losses
• Adjustable belt tension for reliable bale start and ejection
• Bales approximately 2ft x 2ft, weighing no more than 200lbs
• Ability to create up to 90 bales/hour

Wrapper:

• Hydraulically tilting wrapping table
• Twin wrapping arm
• Bale delivery ramp
• Film cutter
• Ability to apply 4-6 layers of plastic film and 4-12 layers of external plastic wrap

Round Bale Grabber:

• Capable of grabbing two small bales at a time

• Universal skidsteer mount

• The baler wrapper combination, round bale grabber, and plastic film will be delivered by the vendor.

• Delivery is required at the USDFRC Research Farm at Prairie du Sac, WI by August 1, 2026, or as negotiated.

• Production of the baler wrapper combination and accessories is due prior to shipping.

• The baler wrapper combination must be manufactured according to specifications and be fully functional.

• Vendor is required for on-site installation and training.

• Vendor must provide the operations manual (paper version preferred).

• Brand name or equal: Baler-wrapper combination & Round bale grabber.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a Baler Wrapper/Round Bale Grabber for the USDA-ARS-MWA U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center in Madison, WI. The government intends to make one award for this item.

• The primary deliverable is one (1) Baler Wrapper with Round Bale Grabber, specifically the Goweil LT-Master F60, or an "Or Equal" product.

• "Or Equal" quotations must clearly identify the brand name, make/model number, and place of manufacturer.

• Delivery is required within one hundred and thirty (130) days after receipt of award.

• The anticipated award type is a Firm-Fixed Price purchase order.

• Quotations are due by 1:00 PM CST on March 18, 2026, and should be submitted via email to theodore.blume@usda.gov.

• The subject line of the email must include the RFQ number and title.

• Offerors must submit a firm-fixed price quotation detailing supply description, place of manufacture, and price.

• A SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI) must be submitted with the quotation; the UEI must be active.

• Product brochures, specification sheets, and any product information demonstrating compliance with the government's specifications (Attachment II) are required.

• The offeror agrees to hold prices for 60 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• Questions are due by March 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM CST and should be submitted via email to theodore.blume@usda.gov.

• The government will evaluate quotations using a comparative methodology, considering best value, not just the lowest price. Evaluation factors include relevant experience, past performance, and price.

• Past performance will be evaluated based on recency, relevancy, and quality from the last five (5) years. Completed Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) for three relevant contracts are required, submitted directly from the reference to the contracting office.

• The "Buy American Certificate" clause is included, requiring offers to certify domestic end products.

• FAR 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Aside is applicable.

• The document includes numerous FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions covering terms and conditions, delivery instructions, contract closeout, and compliance requirements (e.g., Buy American, DEI compliance, child labor).

• Attachment II (SOW/Specifications), Attachment III (RFI), and Attachment IV (PPQ) are referenced.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) form, specifically "Attachment V - REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) Award." It is designed for potential offerors to submit questions or requests for clarification regarding a solicitation for a "Baler Wrapper/Round Bale Grabber."

• Project Number: 1232SA26Q0259
• Project Title: Baler Wrapper/Round Bale Grabber
• Project Location: USDA-ARS-MWA U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, 1925 Linden Dr, Madison WI 53706
• Submission Instructions: Questions must thoroughly reference the solicitation, specifications, drawings, and other pertinent documents. Specific section or drawing numbers must be identified in the request.
• Contact Information: Submissions are to be sent to USDA/ARS/PWA - Theodore Blume via email at theodore.blume@usda.gov. The email subject line must include "1232SA26Q0259 Baler Wrapper/Round Bale Grabber RFI".
• Information Needed Section: A space to detail the specific information required.
• Reply: Replies will be issued by Solicitation Amendment by the Contracting Officer.
• Offeror Responsibility: Offerors are responsible for retrieving and acknowledging all Amendments.

This form is crucial for bidders who need to ask clarifying questions about the "Baler Wrapper/Round Bale Grabber" opportunity. It outlines the specific format and requirements for submitting questions to ensure they are addressed by the Government. Bidders must follow these instructions to receive timely responses, which will be communicated via solicitation amendments. It also emphasizes the bidder's responsibility to track all amendments.