Automated Sample Preparation and Concentration Platform
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 USDA Agriculture Research Service (ARS) has issued a Pre-Solicitation Notice for an Automated Sample Preparation and Concentration Platform. This notice is for informational purposes only and is not a Request for Quotes (RFQ). The requirement is for a Markes International Centri 180 or an equivalent system. This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Interested contractors should respond by May 27, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The USDA ARS is seeking information from potential vendors for an Automated Sample Preparation and Concentration Platform. The primary requirement is for a Markes International Centri 180 or an equivalent system, including specific components such as the Centri 90 Mounting kit, Smart SPME fiber kit, Centri 90 Internal Standard Option, U-CENTRI-S2-TRAYCOOLER, and various tools for liquid syringe, wash module, sample racks, headspace, and HiSorb probe. The system should also support GCxGC, aroma & odour profiling, and include the ChromCompare+ chemometrics and data mining platform. The place of performance is Fort Pierce, FL.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation Notice
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 employees)
- Anticipated Award Date: June 2026
- Award Basis: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA)
- Agency: USDA Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Office: USDA ARS AFM APD
Submission Requirements & Deadline
Interested contractors must respond via email to Frank Palmer (frank.palmer@usda.gov) by 2:00 pm Mountain Daylight Time on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Responses should include:
- A company capabilities statement (limited to 5 pages).
- UEI Number.
- Company Name, Address, Business Size (validated via SAM), Point of Contact, and Past Work Experience.
- Electronic files must be in Microsoft Office Word or PDF format and be UNCLASSIFIED.
Eligibility & Notes
This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Vendors must be active and registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and complete electronic annual representations and certifications. This notice is for informational purposes only; no contract will be awarded as a direct result of this notice, and the Government will not pay for response preparation costs.