Automated Aqueous Combustion Total Organic Carbon Analyzer
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), specifically the USDA ARS AFM APD office, is soliciting quotations for an Automated Aqueous Combustion Total Organic Carbon Analyzer for the National Lab for Agriculture and the Environment in Ames, Iowa. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 334516. Quotations are due June 5, 2026, by 5:00 PM CT.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for an automated combustion total organic carbon analyzer capable of accurately measuring carbon in liquid samples. Key technical specifications include:
- Utilizes catalytic (platinum) combustion to oxidize carbon compounds into carbon dioxide.
- Capable of performing TOC (NPOC), TC-IC, TC, and IC assays on liquid matrices.
- Adjustable furnace temperatures from 680° - 1000° C.
- Removes inorganic carbon via acid solution addition using a solenoid actuated micro-pump.
- Features a flow-through, non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas analyzer with automatic temperature and pressure compensation.
- High accuracy over the analytical range (0-20,000 ppm) without dilution (0.5mL sample size).
- Low zero and span drift, with signal noise ≤ 1 ppm at 370 ppm CO2.
- Detector optical path must be serviceable and cleanable by authorized technicians.
- System must NOT use a multi-port valve or syringe-driver sample introduction.
- Includes a 30-position autosampler (40 mL vials), introduction system, condenser loop, mist trap, permeation dryer, halogen scrubber, and sample line filter.
- Detection limit of 50 ppb with ≤ 1.0% cross contamination carryover.
- Precision of ≤ 2% relative standard deviation for mid-range standard.
- Includes a salt kit, computer, operating software, monitor, installation, and familiarization training.
- Minimum 12-month OEM warranty (parts and labor).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Quotation (RFQ) / Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (1232SA26Q0546)
- Award Type: Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order
- Period of Performance: July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026
- Delivery: By September 30, 2026
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees)
- Published Date: April 29, 2026
- Quotation Due: June 5, 2026, 5:00 PM CT
Submission & Evaluation
Offerors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive. Evaluation will be based on Technical Approach and Price, with an award made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government. Technical acceptability includes meeting brand name or equal requirements (Teledyne Lotix, Part Number 15-1600-000, or equivalent). Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.
Additional Notes
- F.O.B. Destination for all deliverables.
- Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days.
- Questions are due by May 22, 2026, 5:00 PM CT, and should be sent to kerrie.hodges@usda.gov.
- The Statement of Work (SOW) is attached to the solicitation and provides detailed requirements.