Annual Service Plan for a MACSQuant Tyto Cell Sorter - RFQ
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is soliciting quotes for an Annual Service Plan for a MACSQuant Tyto Cell Sorter (unit #10447). This is an unrestricted Request for Quotation (RFQ), identified as Solicitation Number 1232SA26Q0178. An amendment (0001) issued on April 14, 2026, extended the quote submission deadline and updated Attachment 1.
Scope of Work
The contractor shall provide comprehensive annual service to ensure the continued operational readiness and optimal performance of the MACSQuant Tyto Cell Sorter. Services include:
- Technical Support Service: Via telephone, email, or other channels for technical incidents, equipment functions, and application development/troubleshooting.
- Preventive Maintenance Service: At least one annual visit for assurance checks, safety inspections, operational cleaning, performance testing, and routine parts replacement.
- Repair Service: Necessary repairs to maintain equipment according to factory specifications, with specified response times (e.g., 1 hour for urgent phone calls, up to 5 days for on-site non-urgent repairs).
- Software Update Service: Regular device software updates, at least annually. A cell sorting/flow cytometry application scientist is a required key personnel.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm-Fixed Price Contract.
- Period of Performance: One (1) one-year base period, four (4) one-year option periods, and one (1) six (6) month extension period. Total duration not to exceed five (5) years and six (6) months.
- Award: The Government intends to make one award.
- Place of Performance: USDA-ARS Animal Disease Research Unit (ADRU), 1855 Ott Road, 3003 ADBF, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, WA 99164-0001. Contractor is responsible for all travel costs.
Set-Aside & Eligibility
This acquisition is unrestricted, meaning all responsible sources may submit a quotation. No specific qualification requirement is needed for offerors or the product/service. The applicable NAICS code is 811210 (Maintenance, Repair And Rebuilding Of Equipment: Instruments And Laboratory Equipment) with a small business size standard of $34 Million.
Submission & Evaluation
- Evaluation: Quotations will be evaluated using a best value tradeoff approach. Factors, in descending order of importance, are: Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price. Price is less important than the non-price factors.
- Requirements: Submissions must include a completed "Attachment 4 - Quote Submission Form," a detailed explanation of technical capability, acknowledgement of amendments, and active SAM.gov registration.
- Format: Quotes must be submitted electronically via email in Adobe PDF format.
- Firm Offer: Offers must be held firm for 90 calendar days.
Key Dates
- Quotes Due: April 23, 2026, 04:59 AM UTC.
- Questions Due: No later than 72-hours prior to the close date/time.
Additional Notes
The Service Contract Labor Standards Wage Determination Number 2015-5559 for Whitman, WA, is applicable. Numerous FAR and AGAR clauses are incorporated by reference, including those related to SAM, Combating Trafficking in Persons, and Anti-Discrimination/DEI Compliance. Invoices must be submitted electronically through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).