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 (RFQ 1232SA26Q0178) for an Annual Service Plan for a MACSQuant Tyto Cell Sorter at its Animal Disease Research Unit (ADRU) in Pullman, WA. This is an unrestricted requirement for a firm-fixed price contract, including a base year, four option years, and a six-month extension. Quotes are due by April 24, 2026, 4:59 AM UTC.
Scope of Work
The contractor shall provide comprehensive services to ensure the continued operational readiness and optimal performance of the MACSQuant Tyto Cell Sorter (unit#10447). Key services include:
- Technical Support: Via phone, email, or other channels for troubleshooting, application guidance, and determining repair needs.
- Preventive Maintenance: At least one annual on-site visit for assurance checks, safety inspections, operational cleaning, performance testing, and routine parts replacement.
- Repair Service: To correct defects and maintain equipment to factory specifications, with specified response times.
- Software Updates: Regular device software updates, at least annually. A cell sorting/flow cytometry application scientist is required as key personnel.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price.
- Period of Performance: One (1) one-year base period, four (4) one-year option periods, and one (1) six (6) month extension period, not to exceed five (5) years and six (6) months total.
- Place of Performance: USDA-ARS Animal Disease Research Unit (ADRU), 1855 Ott Road, 3003 ADBF, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, WA 99164-0001.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted.
- NAICS Code: 811210 (Maintenance, Repair And Rebuilding Of Equipment: Instruments And Laboratory Equipment), with a small business size standard of $34 Million.
- Wage Determination: Service Contract Labor Standards Wage Determination Number 2015-5559 for Whitman, WA is applicable.
Submission & Evaluation
- Evaluation Basis: Best value tradeoff approach.
- Evaluation Factors (descending order): Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price. Price is less important than non-price factors.
- Required Submissions: Completed "Attachment 4 - Quote Submission Form" with detailed pricing for all line items, acknowledgement of amendments, active SAM.gov registration, and documentation demonstrating service performance.
- Submission Method: Electronically via email to the Contracting Officer/Specialist in Adobe PDF format.
- Offer Acceptance Period: Quotes must be held firm for 90 calendar days.
- Questions: Must be submitted via email to Aaron Dimeo (aaron.dimeo@usda.gov) no later than 72 hours prior to the quote due date.
Key Dates
- Quotes Due: April 24, 2026, 4:59 AM UTC.
- Questions Due: 72 hours prior to the quote due date.
- Published Date: April 22, 2026.