Biological Safety Cabinet, Small Animal Isolator, and Chemical Fume Hood Services

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 12639526Q0050 for Biological Safety Cabinet, Isolator, and Fume Hood Services.

• Question 1: Bidders inquired whether this is a new contract or if there is an incumbent contractor, and requested the previous contract number if applicable.
• Answer 1: The government confirmed that there was an incumbent contractor performing these services. However, the previous contract number will not be provided.

This Q&A clarifies the contract's history regarding an incumbent but does not provide the specific previous contract number. Bidders should note that an incumbent has performed these services previously.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for quarterly certification, maintenance, and repair services for Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC), HEPA Filtered Small Animal Isolators, and Chemical Fume Hoods at The National Centers for Animal Health (NCAH). Services are to be provided on an "as needed" basis according to the standards in the Statement of Work.

• CLIN 0001 covers BSC, HEPA Filtered Small Animal Isolator, and Chemical Fume Hood Services.

• Specific services include:

  • Biological Safety Cabinet Certifications
  • Small Animal Isolator Certifications
  • Chemical Fume Hood Certifications
  • Labor Rates (Regular Hours)
  • Material Markup Percentage for repairs and decommissioning
  • Quarterly Site Visits
  • Emergency Site Visits

• Services must adhere to standards outlined in the Statement of Work (Attachment 2).

• Award Type: Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) and Time & Materials (T&M) task orders.

• Period of Performance: 60 months, from 4/1/2026 to 3/31/2031.

• Payment Terms: Net 30 for all task orders.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest price technically acceptable.

• Technical Acceptability: Evaluated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on the offeror's ability to demonstrate capability and understanding of requirements.

• Key Submission Requirements:

  • Detailed explanation of ability to perform services.
  • Completed AGAR clause 452.237-74 Key Personnel, including NSF accreditation certificate.
  • Proof of liability insurance per FAR 52.228-5 and AGAR 452.228-71.

• Past Performance: Will be evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable.

• Offerors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• The document references several clauses related to small business concerns, HUBZone, and other set-asides, indicating potential eligibility requirements.

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses by reference.

• Key attachments include: Statement of Work (Attachment 2), Pricing Sheet (Attachment 3), and Wage Determination (Attachment 4).

• Questions are due by March 5th, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Time via email to stephen.tees@usda.gov.

• Contractor must maintain an active SAM registration to be eligible for orders.

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

To perform quarterly certification, maintenance, and repair services for all Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), isolators, and chemical fume hoods located at The National Centers for Animal Health (NCAH) facilities on an "as needed" basis.

• Provide comprehensive services including furnishing materials, performing all required work, and covering costs for overhead, administrative expenses, profit, lab draw costs, certification, transportation, and test equipment calibration.

• Services include certification, maintenance, and repairs for approximately 261 BSCs, 47 HEPA filtered small animal isolators, and 75 chemical fume hoods.

• Perform quarterly site visits and up to 10 emergency site visits per year.

• Certification, maintenance, and repairs must adhere to specific standards including NSF/ANSI Standard 49 (for BSCs), manufacturer specifications, NFPA 45, ANSI Standard Z9.5, and ASHRAE 110 (for fume hoods).

• Failed certifications require disabling the unit with tape or signage until repairs are completed.

• Certification reports must be submitted within 15 business days of completion.

• Services are required quarterly, with specific completion deadlines for each quarter (e.g., January 31st, April 30th, July 31st, October 31st).

• Locations include NCAH facilities at 1920 Dayton Avenue, 1015 N. University Blvd, and 716 Farm House Lane in Ames, IA.

• Contractor certifiers must be accredited by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) on NSF/ANSI Standard 49 Class II.

• A Moderate Risk Public Trust (Tier 2) background investigation is required for personnel.

• Contractor employees must comply with USDA PIV (Personal Identity Verification) policies and procedures.

• Government will provide filters, replacement, and repair parts for units failing certification.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing sheet (Attachment 3) that outlines the specific services and associated costs for which bidders must provide pricing. It details the units of issue, quantities, and ordering periods for various certification and labor services.

• Services: Includes Biological Safety Cabinet Certifications, Small Animal Isolator Certifications, Chemical Fume Hood Certifications, Labor Rates (Regular Hours), Material Markup Percentage, Quarterly Site Visits, and Emergency Site Visits.
• Unit of Issue: Specifies the unit for each service (e.g., Each, Hour, Percentage (%)).
• Quantities: Lists the estimated quantities required for each service across different ordering periods.
• Ordering Periods: Covers five ordering periods from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031.
• Pricing Structure: Services are generally listed as Firm-Fixed-Price, with specific notes on labor billing (minimum two hours) and material markup percentage.

Bidders must use this sheet to calculate and submit their pricing for each line item. The quantities and service descriptions provided are critical for developing an accurate and competitive proposal. The minimum labor billing and material markup percentage are specific cost considerations bidders must incorporate into their pricing strategy.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division, "Register of Wage Determinations Under the Service Contract Act." It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations in a specific geographic area (Iowa County of Story) for contracts subject to the Service Contract Act.

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage), detailing applicable requirements and rates.
• Outlines standard benefits such as Health & Welfare, Vacation, and Holidays.
• Provides specific details on differentials for hazardous pay and night/Sunday pay for certain roles.
• Explains the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (conformance process) if an occupation is not listed.

This document is critical for any bidder on a government contract subject to the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum labor costs that must be factored into proposals. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these determined rates for all covered employees working on the contract. Failure to comply can lead to contract violations and penalties.