Broadcast Seeder and Flail Harvester
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is soliciting proposals for the purchase of a 15 ft Broadcast Seeder and a Flail Harvester. These items are required for cover crop and fertilizer applications, biomass collection, and termination of cover crops at their facility in Charlotte, VT. This is an UNRESTRICTED acquisition. Quotes are due by May 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The solicitation requires one (1) 15 ft broadcast seeder and one (1) flail harvester, both in new condition.
Broadcast Seeder:
- 15 ft working width, suitable for cover crop and fertilizer application into standing crops.
- Hopper capacity for 10 acres at normal rates, 18-22 cu ft stainless steel or non-corrosive.
- Capable of metering small and large seeds, and fertilizer, with an electronic metering drive adjustable from the tractor.
- Pneumatic material delivery via tubes to 12 deflector plate-style material spreaders.
- Hydraulically powered (<18 GPM), under 48 inches height, with rapid cleanout.
- Toolbar mounting: 15 ft, 5x7 or 7x7, Cat II/III, 3-point mount.
- Includes safety lights, load cell for application rates, calibration hopper, and a platform for loading bagged materials.
Flail Harvester:
- 6 ft working width, towed behind a tractor, PTO driven (540 or 1000 RPM).
- Delivery chute for a towed forage wagon (adjustable angle/direction, bypassable) and a hitch for towing.
- Hydraulically adjustable cut height (3-8 inches range).
- At least 32 knives for an even cut, under 2000 lb weight.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order
- Set-Aside: UNRESTRICTED
- NAICS Code: 333111 (Size Standard: 1,250 Employees)
- Published Date: May 13, 2026
- Quotes Due: May 27, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Delivery: Within 15 days of award to USDA-ARS, 1211 Ethan Allen Highway, Charlotte, VT 05445.
Submission & Evaluation
Quotes must be submitted via email to katelyn.nelson@usda.gov with the subject line "Quote for 1232SA26Q0509". Offerors must hold prices for 30 calendar days.
Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on Technical Acceptability and Price. Technical acceptability assesses the ability to meet requirements and understanding of the items. Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness. Past performance will also be assessed. The award will not necessarily go to the lowest-priced offeror, and tradeoffs will not be conducted.
Additional Notes
The solicitation includes FAR clauses and provisions by reference. Attachment 2 (Specifications) and Attachment 3 (Quote Submission Form) are included with the solicitation.