Bio-Rad QX One Instrument Maintenance Contract

Other / Unclassified

This document is a "Sole Source Justification" for an acquisition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. It details the decision to restrict competition for a support plan for the Bio-Rad QXone Droplet Digital PCR System.

This document explains why the government is pursuing a sole-source acquisition for a maintenance and support plan for specific equipment. It identifies the requesting agency (USDA APHIS PPQ S&T PITL) and the estimated value of the contract, which includes a base year and four optional renewal years. The justification states that Bio-Rad is the sole manufacturer of the QXone ddPCR System and that only they can provide the required functional maintenance, including preventative maintenance and unlimited repairs with parts and labor. This information is relevant to potential bidders by clarifying the nature of the procurement and the rationale for limited competition.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks a firm-fixed-price requirements contract for a base period of one year and four one-year option periods, not to exceed five years total. The government intends to make a single award.

• The solicitation references a Performance Work Statement (PWS) and a Statement of Work (SOW) for detailed requirements. Bidders must demonstrate their ability to meet schedule requirements outlined in the SOW.

• Offerors must provide detailed explanations for any SOW requirements they cannot accomplish.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price requirements contract.

• Period of Performance: One 1-year base period and four 1-year option periods (totaling up to 5 years).

• Submission: Contractors must submit pricing for all line items to be considered responsive. Questions are due via email by June 2, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.

• Evaluation: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government. Evaluation will be based on:

  • Technical Approach: Ability to meet requirements and demonstrate thorough understanding.
  • Price: Must be fair and reasonable.
  • Past Performance: May be evaluated using CPARS and other government sources; must be acceptable or neutral.

• Award will not necessarily be made to the lowest-priced offeror. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

• A "Limited Sources Justification" is attached as Attachment 1, indicating a non-competitive action.

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions by reference. Key AGAR clauses include 452.203-71 (Anti-Discrimination and DEI Compliance) and 452.203-72 (Unenforceable Supplier Terms), which impose specific requirements and limitations on supplier terms.

• Attachment 2 is the Performance Work Statement.

• Offerors must complete and submit representations and certifications as required by various FAR provisions.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide a maintenance plan for the continued operation of the Bio-Rad QX One Droplet Digital PCR System located at the USDA S&T Pest Identification Technology Laboratory (PITL).

• Maintenance plan for the Bio-Rad QX One instrument (S/N 766BR2216).
• Preventative maintenance required on an annual basis.
• The maintenance cannot be performed by an outside party other than the OEM provider.
• The system is valued at over $329,000, making replacement costly.

N/A

• On-site support required at the PITL.

• Full on-site support with technician travel to PITL.

• Unlimited repair coverage, including travel, parts, and labor.

• Two preventative maintenance visits per year.

• Technician must be authorized by the equipment manufacturer.

• Technicians will be granted access to PITL during regular hours.