66--30 TO 50 HIGH VOLUME INSTRUMENT (HVI) CLASSING SYSTEMS TO PROVIDE MEASUREMENTS OF THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF COTTON FIBERS

The USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Cotton Program intends to issue a sole source award using non-commercial acquisition procedures for the acquisition of between 30 to 50 High Volume Instrument (HVI) Cotton Classing Systems to Uster Technologies, Inc. located in Knoxville, TN. The HVI Systems shall provide measurements of the physical properties of cotton fibers including fiber length, fiber mean length, fiber length uniformity index, short fiber index, 1/8-inch gage fiber strength, micronaire reading, fiber color in reflectance and yellowness, and trashmeter percent area of trash and particle count and leaf grade and moisture content. This proposed action will include a maintenance agreement for five years with options for three additional years. The proposed contract action is for supplies and services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. Numbered Note 22 applies. Any questions or inquiries must be mailed, e-mailed or faxed to the Contracting Office, to the attention of the point of contact listed in this notice. Requests by telephone will not be honored. Point of contact: Larry Nelson, Contracting Specialist, (612) 336-3225, FAX: (612) 370-2106, E-mail: [email protected]