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This Request for Proposal (“RFP”) is an invitation by the University of Guelph (the University) to submit non-binding proposals for Dry Bean Planter Equipment for Research as further described in the RFP document.

Project Overview
The Department of Plant Agriculture’s Dry Bean Breeding and Computational Biology Program and Research Station Operations at the University of Guelph requires one (1) dry bean research planter to be used primarily at the Elora and Woodstock Research Stations. This research plot planter will be used to plant a variety of dry bean market classes (navy, pinto, kidney, cranberry), and azuki beans.

Proposals are welcomed for units which will improve upon current system (cone and belt, cable trip); the seed distribution, accuracy of plot dimensions and seeding depth, the safety of operators, better the efficiency of trial setup and planting, and future digital data integration through GPS auto steer and GPS auto trip.

The research planter will be used beyond regular business hours every day during the planting season, which typically runs for three weeks beginning the last week of May. The research plot planter could be running for up to 10 hours a day during the peak time. During non-planting season, the research plot planter will be stored in a secured unheated building. Occasionally, the research plot planter needs to travel on local roadways to access fields. In those situations, the research plot planter will be driven onto local roadways in accordance with Ministry of Transportation (MTO) regulations regarding farm equipment on the road.

The Budget for this project is $220,000 CAD

Delivery is required by March 15, 2027.

Key Deliverables
            The successful Respondent is expected to:

• Supply one (1) new Dry Bean Research Planter that meets all functional requirements detailed in this RFP.
• Supply software and associated licenses if required.
• Supply all documentation including, but not limited to, user manuals, maintenance and troubleshooting information in hardcopy and electronically.
• Provide professional services for integration, calibration, validation and testing of equipment and related components until the University’s final acceptance.
• Provide on-site training for end users of the equipment.
• Provide manufacturers’ warranty for at least one (1) year, with pricing for extended warranty.
• Provide local maintenance and technical support during and beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL

The University is looking for a research plot planter with its individual components well designed and built to demonstrate high performance, high quality, and robustness. A planter which chiefly can safely and efficiently plant a variety of dry bean market classes, can be safely transported the 95km from Elora to Woodstock research stations, and is easily calibrated for different plot lengths or seeding densities.

Row Units

The University is looking for a research plot planter with row units suitable for the conventional or no-till planting of various dry bean market classes in 2-row wide (60cm) and 4-row narrow (36cm) row widths. The components should be robust and easily maintained, with provision for the detection of bridges and a simple row spacing adjustment.

Planting system

The University is looking for a research plot planter with a planting system which delivers seed at a depth and population which is conducive to even seedling emergence needed for a consistent stand across research trials. We are interested in planters which can plant one envelope of seed per 4-row plot (split), with an option to plant one envelope per row. The seeding depth and plot length should be simply and quickly adjustable, with a back-up system for plot tripping and row marking.

GPS Trip and Steer

The University is looking for a research plot planter with GPS auto trip and GPS auto steer, if self-propelled) to improve accuracy of plot placement and allow for smoother integration with downstream UAV and digital data systems.

Propulsion

The University has access to a Case IH Farmall 120u (outfitted with Trimble GPS) which may be used to propel the planter. Alternatively, it may be self-propelled. The planter must have a reasonable turning radius (~8m), provisions for rider safety and comfort, provisions for safe transportation, be easily attached or detached, if necessary, GPS integration and controls, and sufficient power to operate all components of the planter.

Operator stage

The research plot planter must be safe and comfortable to operate and have a variety of features such as sun protection, ergonomic seating and tray holder (37x60cm), and communications. The average height of the operator’s head must be less than 3m from the ground.


MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

The proposed Planter should meet the following minimum specifications:
 

• Plant multiple market classes of dry and azuki bean without damage (seed size range of 10g/100sd-70g/100sd).
• Adjustable row width (36-61cm) with a harvest width no more than 1.25m per plot.
• Plant plot lengths from 1 to 6.5m.
• Plot placement controlled by GPS auto trip. Software to control auto trip hardware and produce digital plot map.
• Driven by GPS auto steer if self-propelled.
• Analog back up for plot tripping and row marking.
• Fine adjustment of planting depth.
• Function with Case IH Farmall 120u (outfitted with Trimble GPS system), or self propelled.
• Openers, closers, trash whippers, etc. appropriate for conventional or no-till planting.
• Dimensions and weight appropriate for safe travel and trailer transportation on Ontario roads.

D.          MANDATORY TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
           

• Plant multiple market classes of dry and azuki bean without damage (seed size range of 10g/100sd-70g/100sd).
• Plant narrow 4-row, and wide 2-row (36-61cm) plots with a harvest width no more than 1.25m per plot.
• Plant plot lengths from 1 to 6.5m.
• Plot placement controlled by GPS auto trip.  Software to control auto trip hardware and produce digital plot map.
• Driven by GPS auto steer if self-propelled.
• Fine adjustment of planting depth.
• Function with Case IH Farmall 120u (outfitted with Trimble GPS), or self propelled.
• Openers, closers, trash whippers, etc. appropriate for conventional or no-till planting.
• Dimensions and weight appropriate for safe travel and trailer transportation on Ontario roads.

All proposals submitted are to be in English only.

Interested proponents are to download the complete RFP documents free of charge at the University’s public purchasing portal https://uoguelph.bonfirehub.ca (the Portal).

To contact the University or ask questions in relation to this RFP, proponents must register with the Portal and initiate the communication electronically through the Opportunity Q&A of the Portal. Registration is free of charge. The University will not accept any prospective proponent’s communications by any other means.

Participating proponents are to submit proposals by uploading documents electronically to the Portal https://uoguelph.bonfirehub.ca.  The University will not accept paper, fax or email submission.

There will be no public opening of tenders for this RFP. The award of the RFP will be posted at the Portal.

This procurement is subject to Chapter Five of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
 

Bidding and Documents are available on http://www.merx.com. Fees may apply; See https://www.merx.com/public/pricing for more information.