Carbon/Nitrogen Analyzer to Analyze Soil and Plant Material
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 Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for one Carbon/Nitrogen Analyzer to support soil and plant material analysis at the Agroecosystem Management Research Unit (AMRU) in Lincoln, NE. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside conducted under FAR Part 12 for commercial items. Quotations are due February 17, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor must provide a Carbon/Nitrogen Analyzer that meets specific technical requirements, including:
- Analysis Method: High-temperature combustion with a third furnace for catalytic post-combustion.
- Automation: Integrated 90-position auto-sampler with automated ash removal.
- Detection: Direct measurement of nitrogen via Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD) with a detection limit <100 ppm.
- Capacity: Ability to handle up to 1 g organic or 4 mL aqueous samples.
- Physical Constraints: Instrument width must be less than 24 inches.
- Warranty: 10-year warranties for the furnace and TCD cell.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business
- Delivery Date: Required on or before April 13, 2026
- Response Due: February 17, 2026, by 3:00 PM CT
- Published: February 9, 2026
Evaluation
Award will be made using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria. Evaluation factors include:
- Price: Must be fair and reasonable.
- Technical Acceptability: Quoted product must meet or exceed all salient characteristics defined in the specifications.
- Past Performance: Evaluated via references, CPARS, and agency history.
Additional Notes
Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted via email by February 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM CT. All submissions must be electronic and sent to Monte Jordan.