Brunauer–Emmett–Teller Surface Area Analyzer

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation criteria for a service contract using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method. It supersedes the standard FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation of Commercial Items provision, with evaluation instead conducted per FAR 12.203.

• Price: Evaluation will focus on the base period. Pricing for the base period and all line items is mandatory; failure to provide may result in exclusion. Pricing will be assessed for fairness and reasonableness per FAR 12.204.

• Technical Acceptability: Must achieve an "acceptable" rating. This requires a sound, compliant approach demonstrating a thorough understanding of all SOW requirements. Quoters must detail how they will accomplish SOW requirements and explicitly state any requirements they cannot meet. The government intends to award without discussions, so exceptions may lead to technical unacceptability.

• Personnel: Resumes for proposed key personnel (only the Project Manager is specified) are required, demonstrating minimum educational and experience qualifications from the SOW. Contingent letters of willingness to be hired/relocated are needed for proposed hires. If contingent letters cannot be obtained, a written statement detailing efforts and a staffing plan (including recruitment, selection, and demonstrated ability to maintain a qualified staff) must be submitted.

• Past Performance: The government will assess past performance using provided references, USDA contract history, and sources like CPARS. Ratings can be "Acceptable" (demonstrated ability to meet requirements), "Neutral" (no past performance record), or "Unacceptable" (documented history of failing to meet requirements).

• Evaluation Method: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability. If the lowest priced offer is not technically acceptable or has unacceptable past performance, the next lowest priced offer will be evaluated, continuing in order until the lowest price, technically acceptable offer with acceptable or neutral past performance is identified.

• FAR 52.212-2 is not applicable.

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

• Quoters are advised that the USDA intends to award without discussions.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of a Brunauer¿Emmett¿Teller Surface Area Analyzer. The instrument is required for research that will benefit the U.S. EPA and the American farmer through improved understanding of dryland farming.

• Brunauer¿Emmett¿Teller Surface Area Analyzer

• Period of Performance: 05/04/2026 to 09/01/2026

• Delivery Date: 09/01/2026

• Offer Due Date: 05/01/2026 at 1700 ET

• The solicitation incorporates by reference FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4, FAR 52.212-3, and 52.212-5.

• Not specified in the provided document.

• This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 334516 with a size standard of 1,000.

Other / Unclassified

This document contains the clause "52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Deviation DATE)". It defines "Program participation" and "Racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities." The clause requires contractors to not engage in racially discriminatory DEI activities, to provide information and reports for compliance verification, and acknowledges that noncompliance may lead to contract termination or ineligibility for future government contracts. Contractors must also report any subcontractor violations to the Contracting Officer and inform the Contracting Officer if a subcontractor sues the contractor regarding the validity of this clause. Compliance with this clause is material to the Government's payment decisions.

This clause imposes specific obligations on contractors regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities, particularly concerning racial discrimination. Bidders should review this clause to understand their responsibilities and potential consequences of non-compliance, which could impact contract performance and future opportunities. The clause must also be included in subcontracts, except those performed outside the United States.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial items to procure a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller Surface Area Analyzer. The acquisition is unrestricted, meaning all responsible sources may submit a quotation. The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 334516, with a small business size standard of 1,000 Employees.

• The primary deliverable is a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller Surface Area Analyzer.

• The solicitation incorporates various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses and provisions that bidders must adhere to.

• Specific clauses include those related to commercial products and services (FAR 52.212-4), combating trafficking in persons, sustainable products, Buy American provisions, and payment by electronic funds transfer.

• AGAR clauses cover anti-discrimination and DEI compliance, delivery instructions, advance shipment notices, regulatory requirements for commodities and packaging, compensation for delays, unitization, U.S. origin products, manufacturing practices, FDA food facility registration, and shipping requirements.

• An anticipated Firm-Fixed Price contract will be awarded.

• The government intends to make one award.

• Quotes must be submitted and will be evaluated based on Technical Approach, Price, and Past Performance.

• Award will be made to the quoter representing the best value to the Government, not necessarily the lowest-priced quoter.

• Pricing must be provided for all line items to be considered responsive.

• The period for acceptance of offers is 90 calendar days from the receipt date.

• Questions are due by May 01, 2026, at 3:00 PM Central Time via email to lynn.hults@usda.gov.

• This acquisition is an unrestricted requirement and not set-aside for small businesses.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• F.o.b. destination is requested for all deliverables.

• The delivery address is 10300 Baltimore Avenue, BLDG 001, RM 124, BARC-West, Beltsville, MD 20705.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation criteria for a service contract awarded using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method. It supersedes FAR 52.212-2 for this solicitation and is based on FAR 12.203.

Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government. Quotations will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Price:

  • Includes quantity price discounts and prompt payment discounts.
  • Evaluation is for the base period only.
  • Failure to propose pricing for the base period and all line items may result in exclusion.
  • Quotations will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness per FAR 12.204.

• Technical Acceptability:

  • Evaluated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable."
  • Based on the offeror's ability to provide a sound, compliant approach demonstrating thorough understanding of requirements.
  • Quoters must clearly demonstrate capability.
  • Minimum required information:
    • Detailed explanation of how the quote will perform required services, addressing PWS sections 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0. A simple statement of capabilities is insufficient.
    • Detailed explanation of any PWS requirement that cannot be accomplished. Exceptions may lead to technical unacceptability, as discussions are not anticipated.
    • Resumes for proposed key personnel (only Project Manager identified). Resumes must demonstrate minimum educational and experience qualifications specified in PWS Section 5.2.
    • Signed contingent letters for proposed personnel indicating willingness to be hired/relocated, or a written statement detailing efforts to obtain them.
    • Alternatively, a staffing plan demonstrating the contractor's ability to handle personnel issues, hire qualified staff, provide support/oversight, and detailing recruitment/selection processes.

• Past Performance:

  • The Government may use provided references, USDA contract information, CPARS, and other Federal Government sources.
  • Ratings: Acceptable (demonstrated ability to meet requirements), Neutral (no past performance record), Unacceptable (documented history of failing to meet requirements).

Quotations will be evaluated using the LPTA criteria. Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability. If the lowest priced offer is not technically acceptable or does not have acceptable/neutral past performance, the next lowest priced offer will be evaluated, continuing in order until the lowest priced, technically acceptable offer with acceptable or neutral past performance is identified.

This document is titled "LPTA Evaluation Criteria for a Service Contract.docx" and was posted on 2026-04-22.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the technical specifications for a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and pore distribution analyzer. This instrument is required for measuring the surface area and pore distribution of soils and other materials, which is critical for agricultural research, particularly concerning soil health and fertility. The data generated will support interagency agreements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and research on U.S. farming systems.

• Functionality: Measures surface area and micro/mesopore distribution.
• Performance: Requires two analysis stations with <2% repeatability.
• Accessories: Must include a degassing accessory with 8 stations and 2 heating zones.
• Speed: Capable of 5-point BET analysis on two samples in under 20 minutes.
• Pore Measurement: Must be able to measure mesopores and micropores.
• Documentation: Contractor must provide user manuals.
• Delivery: To be delivered to 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Building 001, Room 124, Beltsville, MD 20705 within 120 days of award.

This specification document details the technical requirements for the surface area analyzer. Bidders must ensure their proposed equipment meets all listed technical requirements, including performance, accessories, speed, and pore measurement capabilities. It also specifies the required documentation (manuals) and delivery details, including the destination address and timeframe.