Benchtop Clean Steam, Humified Air, and Heated Air Generator
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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is conducting market research to identify potential sources for a benchtop clean steam, humidified air, and heated air generator. This is for the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, IL. Capability statements are due by January 30, 2026.
Scope of Work
The government is seeking businesses capable of providing a benchtop unit that functions as a clean steam generator, humidifier, and dry air heater. Key technical requirements include:
- Compact size (not exceeding 12" x 20" x 22").
- Switchable functions for steam generation, humidification, and dry air heating.
- Minimum 1000-Watt heater.
- Variable steam temperature (120-180 °C) and flow rate (0-50 g/min or 3 kg/h).
- Variable heated dry/humidified air temperature (ambient to 150 °C) and flow rate (0-250 l/min).
- Discharge pressure range from 0 (vacuum) to 6 bar(a).
- Variable temperature control for the heated discharge tube (ambient to 400 °C).
- Wetted parts made of PTFE and stainless steel.
- Microprocessor control with touch screen display, automatic operation, and alarms.
- Swagelok 1/2" steam and dry/humidified outlet fittings.
- Power: 208-230 VAC, three phase, 50-60 Hz.
- 1-year warranty. The unit is intended for laboratory use, simulating conditions in processes like seed tempering and oil deodorization.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS Code: 335210 (Small Electrical Appliance Manufacturing) with a 1,500 employee size standard.
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research to determine future acquisition strategy).
- Response Due: January 30, 2026, 4:00 PM Central Standard Time.
- Published: January 22, 2026.
- Place of Performance: National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, IL 61604.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit capability statements electronically, including:
- Business name, UEI, address, website, business size status (SB, VOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone SB, SDB, WOSB, LB).
- Point of contact name, mailing address, phone, and email.
- Sufficient descriptive literature demonstrating capability to meet technical requirements.
- Place of Manufacture for the product.
- For large businesses, information on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.
Evaluation
Responses will assist the Government in determining whether any future requirement should be set aside for small business, made available for full and open competition, or procured via sole-source acquisition. This is for market research purposes only and is not a request for proposal or solicitation.
Additional Notes
The Government is not obligated to award a contract or pay for information provided. Proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should not be included in responses. All communication must be in writing to Josh Dobereiner (josh.dobereiner@usda.gov). Delivery and installation will be at 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois, requiring a lift gate.