Phenotyping Robotic Platform

Background
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking to enhance its high throughput phenotyping (HTP) capabilities through the acquisition of a Phenotyping Robotic Platform. This platform aims to assist scientists and support personnel in efficiently collecting plant trait measurements across large experimental fields, thereby improving the ability to build HTP models for diverse plant traits in forage and turf grasses.

Work Details
The contract involves the delivery of one Phenotyping Robotic Platform with the following specifications:
1. Modular and rugged design suitable for traversing large experimental fields with varied topography.
2. Up to eight hours of runtime with low maintenance requirements.
3. Autonomous navigation capability over predefined routes, including obstacle detection and avoidance.
4. Ability to carry and integrate various payloads such as RGB cameras, LIDAR, GPS units, thermal sensors, and humidity sensors via a central processing unit that facilitates communication through an API.
5. Capacity to carry up to 700 pounds and tow up to 1000 pounds with a hitch.
6. Data collection capability over rows with widths of 1.5 to 2.0 meters, with modular adjustments for different types of grasses and topographical conditions.
7. Maximum speed of up to 5 miles per hour.

Period of Performance
07/14/2026 to 09/14/2026

Place of Performance
Delivery is required at the USDA ARS Forage and Range Research location in Logan, Utah.

Bidder Requirements
This acquisition is set aside for small business concerns under a Total Small Business Set-Aside status. Bidders must meet specific requirements including being an authorized distributor or OEM for the products offered, ensuring compliance with domestic sourcing requirements, and providing adequate documentation demonstrating technical acceptability.