928 Series Macro Nitrogen Determinator

Other / Unclassified

This document contains the FAR clause 52.222-90, "Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Deviation DATE)". It outlines requirements for federal contractors regarding racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities.

Bidders should note the following key requirements:

• Prohibition: Contractors must not engage in any racially discriminatory DEI activities. This includes disparate treatment based on race or ethnicity in recruitment, employment (hiring, promotions), contracting (vendor agreements), program participation, or resource allocation.
• Information & Reporting: Contractors must provide information and reports, including access to records, as required by the Contracting Officer to ascertain compliance.
• Noncompliance: Failure to comply may result in contract cancellation, termination, or suspension, and ineligibility for future government contracts.
• Subcontractor Monitoring: Contractors must report any known or reasonably knowable subcontractor conduct that may violate this clause to the Contracting Officer and take remedial actions as directed.
• Subcontractor Lawsuits: Contractors must inform the Contracting Officer if a subcontractor sues them in a way that questions the validity of this clause.
• Materiality: Compliance with this clause is material to the Government's payment decisions.
• Flow-Down Requirement: The substance of this clause must be included in subcontracts at any tier (including those for commercial products and services), unless the place of delivery or performance is outside the United States.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for the procurement of a 928 Series Macro Nitrogen Determinator. The government intends to make one award for this requirement.

• Procurement of one (1) 928 Series Macro Nitrogen Determinator.

• Compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses and provisions.

• Adherence to specific delivery instructions, including Advance Shipment Notice (ASN) and unloading appointments.

• Products must conform to applicable Federal, State, and local laws, including FDA and USDA regulations for food safety and labeling if applicable to the commodity.

• Packaging must meet FDA requirements for safe contact with food and CONEG model legislation.

• Unitization (palletization and stretch wrapping) is required for shipments unless otherwise specified.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-Fixed Price.

• Delivery is F.O.B. destination.

• Shipping instructions provided for delivery to USDA, ARS, DBNRRC, 2890 Hwy 130 E, Stuttgart, AR 72160.

• Quotes will be evaluated based on Technical Approach, Price, and Past Performance.

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, not necessarily the lowest-priced offeror.

• Technical Approach: Evaluates the ability to meet schedule requirements and understanding of the SOW.

• Price: Must be fair and reasonable; pricing for all line items is required.

• Past Performance: Assessed using references, past contracts, and CPARS (Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable).

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the receipt date.

• Questions are due by May 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Time via email to lynn.hults@usda.gov.

• This acquisition is unrestricted; not set-aside for small business concerns.

• NAICS Code: 334516; Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 Employees.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Specific certifications regarding anti-discrimination and DEI compliance are required.

• U.S. Origin Products clause applies.

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses by reference. Offerors are advised to review these carefully.

• Specific clauses related to delivery, packaging, labeling, and delays are detailed within the document.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation criteria for a brand name procurement, specifically for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It details how offers will be assessed when using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method for brand name items.

The USDA requires specific brand name items:

• Item 1: 928 Series Macro Nitrogen Determinator, manufactured by Leco Corporation.
• Item 2: (Details not provided in the text).

Offers must provide the exact brand name, make, and model number specified. Only new, OEM, or OEM-approved source products will be considered. Documentation (e.g., manufacturer quote, datasheet) confirming the offered product is the exact item requested is required. Alternate, substitute, or "equal" products will not be considered.

Not specified in this document.

Quotes will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Price: Evaluated for fairness and reasonableness. Quantity price discounts and prompt payment discounts should be included. Failure to propose pricing for all line items may result in exclusion.
• Technical Acceptability: Evaluated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable." Must be the exact brand name, new, and meet delivery requirements. Quotations offering alternatives will be deemed unacceptable.
• Past Performance: Assessed using references provided, USDA contract history, CPARS, and other government sources. Ratings can be "Acceptable," "Neutral" (no record), or "Unacceptable."

Evaluation Method: Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Capability and Past Performance. If unacceptable, the next lowest priced offer will be evaluated, continuing in order of price until the lowest priced, technically acceptable offer with acceptable or neutral past performance is identified.

Not specified in this document.

The provision at FAR 52.212-2 is not applicable; evaluation is in accordance with FAR 12.203.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the minimum technical specifications for a macro nitrogen analyzer required by the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center. It details the functional requirements and essential components for the instrument.

• Instrument Type: Nitrogen determinator using the Dumas method.
• Capacity: Must hold up to 100 samples.
• Interface: Mounted touch screen for controls.
• Software: PC with Windows operating system and analyzer software included.
• Ancillary Equipment: Regulators for air, oxygen, and inert gases; balance with 120g capacity (0.1 mg readability) and interface kit.
• Training & Support: Installation and operational training, customer support via phone and email.
• Consumables: Consumables kit for training and initial use.
• Reference Material: Rice flour check or reference material.
• Warranty: Minimum 1-year full manufacturer’s warranty.

This specification document is critical for bidders to understand the precise technical requirements for the nitrogen analyzer. Vendors must ensure their proposed equipment meets or exceeds all listed minimum technical requirements to be considered compliant. It also specifies the delivery location: Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center, USDA-ARS, 2890 Hwy 130 E, Stuttgart, AR 72160.