Carbon/Nitrogen Analyzer to Analyze Soil and Plant Material

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of one (1) Carbon/Nitrogen Analyzer to analyze soil and plant material. A firm-fixed-price contract is anticipated.

• The analyzer must meet or exceed the specifications detailed in Attachment 2.

• Offerors must provide sufficient descriptive literature or documentation to demonstrate compliance with specifications.

• Delivery of all items is required on or before April 13, 2026. Early deliveries are accepted.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price.

• Delivery Date: On or before April 13, 2026.

• Submission Deadline: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, not later than 3:00 p.m. Central Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic only via email to monte.jordan@usda.gov, referencing Solicitation Number 1232SA26Q0050.

• Questions Deadline: Tuesday, February 12, 2026, by 12:00 p.m. Central Time via email to monte.jordan@usda.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria.

  • Price: Must be fair and reasonable. Pricing for all CLINs is required.
  • Technical Acceptability/Capability: Quoted product must meet or exceed all salient characteristics in Attachment 2 and include sufficient documentation.
  • Past Performance: May be evaluated using provided references, USDA contract history, CPARS, and other government sources.

• Period for Acceptance of Offers: Offerors must hold prices firm for 60 calendar days.

• The document lists numerous FAR and AGAR clauses related to small business concerns, HUBZone, and other set-asides, which may be applicable if checked.

• This document incorporates clauses and provisions by reference. Full text is available upon request or online at https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52.

• AGAR Clause 452.203-71 and AGAR Provision 452.203-70 regarding Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) compliance are material terms of the contract.

• Information regarding agency protest procedures through the USDA Ombudsman Program is provided.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the technical specifications for a Carbon/Nitrogen Analyzer required by the USDA, ARS, Plains Area (PA), Agroecosystem Management Research Unit (AMRU) in Lincoln, NE. It details the functional and performance requirements for potential vendors to meet.

• Analysis Method: High temperature combustion.
• Sample Capacity: Up to 1 g organic sample, 4 mL aqueous sample.
• Automation: Integrated 90-position auto-sampler with automated ash removal; 5 mL open and reusable stainless-steel crucibles.
• Combustion Furnace: Third furnace for catalytic post-combustion (CH4 → CO2 conversion).
• Nitrogen Measurement: Direct measurement of 100% combusted nitrogen via Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD) without gas splitting or chromatographic separation.
• Gas Requirements: High purity (99.995%) helium or argon carrier gas; high purity (99.995%) oxygen for combustion. Electronic Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs) for carrier gas and oxygen dosage.
• NOx Reduction: Heated tungsten chips for NOx → N2 conversion and excess oxygen absorption.
• Detection: TCD with oxygen excess proof thermistor technology; detection limit <100 ppm.
• Water Removal: Three-stage system (condenser, membrane dryer, chemical dryer).
• Control & Data: Standard PC with Microsoft Windows®; software for automatic calculations, statistical evaluations, leak checks, sleep/wake functions, remote diagnostics, and weight transfer from an external balance.
• Data Output: Exportable to Microsoft Excel® and LIMS compatible.
• Power: Operates with 110 and 240 VAC input.
• Warranties: 10-year furnace and TCD cell warranties.
• Physical Constraints: Less than 24 inches in width; internal operation <50 V for safety.

This specification document is critical for bidders to understand the precise technical requirements for the Carbon/Nitrogen Analyzer. Vendors must ensure their proposed instruments meet all listed functional, performance, and physical specifications to be considered compliant with the solicitation.