Notice of Intent to Award on Sole Source Basis, USDA -ARS WA Mini Kiln

THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS/QUOTATIONS. This notice is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. This procurement will be processed pursuant to FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services. No solicitation will be issued.

Potential sources who believe they can provide the services listed are invited to submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact. Information received will be considered solely for the purposes of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the Government to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the Government. Responses are to be received within five (5) calendar days of this notice. No telephone calls are being accepted.

The United States Department Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), supported by the R8 Procurement and Property Support Services Division, Region 8 US Forest Service, CSA 11, intends to award on a single source basis. Purchase order type will be a Firm Fixed Price awarded to DK FAB, INC. This is for the design and installation of a proprietary DK FAB, INC mini kiln will become part of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Research Service (ARS) critical research infrastructure used to dry hop cones to a target moisture content of 8–10 percent and to support controlled studies on the effects of heat, airflow, moisture, and smoke exposure — factors of high importance to hop growers and other stakeholders.

The contractor will furnish all required components and perform the electrical work, ducting and environmental-control system installation, system integration, and PLC/control programming necessary to meet performance specifications for research-grade hop drying, and will provide hands-on training to ARS staff on operation, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting. As the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), DK FAB, INC., will complete the electrical, ducting/airflow (environmental-control), controls and programming, installation, and staff training necessary to bring an unfinished mini research hop kiln to full research-grade operational status.

Completing the system will enable the USDA-ARS hop research program to dry hop cones at the point of harvest using the onsite Wolf 140 picking system, and to conduct treatment-based research using hops sourced from the Yakima Valley, the nation's largest hop-producing region. NAICS Code is 333994. Estimated delivery is ninety (90) days after award. Estimated Value: $90K

Award is in accordance FAR 12.204.