Swather delivered to Sidney, Montana

This federal solicitation amendment (Amendment 0001 to Solicitation 1232SA26Q1307) is issued by the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The purpose of the amendment is to update the requirements description for a swather and extend the quote submission deadline from September 1, 2026, to September 17, 2026. The updated specifications outline requirements for either a self-propelled swather or a front tractor-mounted mower and tractor. Key salient characteristics for the self-propelled swather option include compatibility with John Deere (4895, 4995, R450) or Case New Holland equivalents, model years 2004–2013, a diesel engine, under 3,500 operating hours, and specific cab comfort and GreenStar guidance/GPS system integrations (such as GS5plus, GreenStar 7000 or 7500, and AutoTrac capability). The alternative tractor-mounted option requires a John Deere f350m or equivalent front rotary swather, a compatible tractor with front 3-point hitch and PTO, under 10,000 operating hours, and compatible GPS/monitor systems. Delivery for either equipment option must be made to the Froid research farm or the Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory in Sidney, Montana.

This federal solicitation (No. 1232SA26Q1307) is issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The agency is seeking quotes for a firm-fixed-price purchase order to acquire a new or equivalent John Deere GreenStar 7500 Swather for the Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory (NPARL) in Sidney, Montana. The primary objective is to replace an obsolete, inoperable 1960s swather to safely resume harvesting alfalfa, grasses, oilseeds, pulses, and cover crops for long-term field research. The procurement is set aside 100% for small businesses under NAICS code 333111. Key requirements for the turn-key machine include: * A sealed cab with rollover protection (ROPS), air conditioning, and air-suspended seating. * A diesel engine, a header under 16.5 feet wide, and fewer than 3,000 engine hours. * Auto-steer capability integrated with a G5Plus display and GreenStar 7000 or 7500 (or equal) receiver system. * GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo multi-constellation support with advanced terrain calibration and SF-RTK correction. The contractor must deliver the equipment within 90 days of the order and provide on-site operational, maintenance, and software training. A one-year warranty on parts and workmanship is required. Offers will be evaluated using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method. Quotes are due by September 1, 2026, with questions due by August 26, 2026.