SOURCES SOUGHT notice for an automated push-probe soil sample for the USDA…

Sources are being sought to determine if there are manufacturers/contractors available offering a domestically sourced item that meets the minimum description outlined below. This is not a solicitation Announcement or Request for Proposal. It does not constitute any commitment by the Government. No award will result from this notice. The purpose is to conduct market research to gain knowledge of potentially qualified domestic sources. Responses to this Sources Sought Notice will be used by the Government to make an appropriate acquisition decision. The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will not award a contract on the basis of responses or pay for the preparation of any information submitted. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this notice. After completing an analysis of the responses, the Government will determine whether to proceed with issuing an unrestricted solicitation, inviting full and open competition. Purpose: ARS Acquisition and Property Division (APD), Acquisition seeks to determine the availability and capability of potential businesses offering a domestically available source of supply for the project below. The information received resulting from this market research will be considered for the purpose of determining domestically available sources. Product Information: The Government seeks information from qualified and experienced contractors capable of providing a domestically sourced automated push-probe soil sampler capable of triple depth and which is GPS enabled, matching the description below. Current Known Source:  Wintex Agro USA Place of Performance: USDA, ARS, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, 3793 North 3600 East in Kimberly, ID  83341. Anticipated Solicitation Release: July 13, 2026 Estimated Delivery: Delivery is expected within four months after award. Description of Supply and Service EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS must meet or exceed the following: Sampler must be able to collect soil cores to a depth of 3 feet. Sampler must be able to automatically separate a core into three discrete samples by depth (for example, 0-12, 12-24, and 24-36 inch increments) with no post processing. Sampler must be able to composite samples from multiple cores into one container. Sampling depth, sample interval, and number of discrete samples must be programable (for example, ability to collect two samples from one, 0-24 inch core). Samples should be freely collected into open containers (i.e., not collected in sleeves or tubes). Sample tube inside diameter must between ¾ inch and 1 inch. Sampler must include a hydraulic cylinder and hydraulic hammer. Cycle time for collecting one core should be less than 30 seconds. Sampler must be powered with a stand-alone engine, approximately 5 horsepower. Sampler must be able to be mounted on a side-by-side/UTV. Sampler total weight should not exceed 300 lbs. Sampler is GPS enabled to record sample locations. Controls for operating and programming the sampler must be accessible from the driver’s seat of the side-by-side. Disclaimers: This notice is posted in accordance with FAR Part 5.2. In accordance with FAR Part 4.1102, Procedures, System for Award Management (SAM), potential contractors must be registered in SAM prior to submitting responses, proposals, bids, or quotes. Offerors may obtain information on registration at https://www.sam.gov. Any potential future solicitations will be posted exclusively on SAM.gov. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring this website for the release of solicitation and any updates or amendments. Do NOT submit proposals, bids, or quotes at this time. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this notice. Instructions For Interested Parties, Capabilities: Companies who have experience, as well as an interest in doing business with ARS, should submit a Capabilities Statement which, for this notice, is not expected to be a proposal, but rather short statements regarding the company’s ability to demonstrate their expertise and experience in relation to the areas specified in this notice. Companies should also indicate whether they are a Small Business, SBA-certified HUBZone, SBA-certified 8(a), SDVOSB, or Women-Owned Small Business as well as the Country of Origin of the proposed instrument and accessories. Responses should be submitted by July 6, 2026, no later than 3:00 p.m. EDT to the attention of Shelley Steen at shelley.steen@usda.gov.