Cell Analyzer

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a "Cell Analyzer" with a period of performance from 05/12/2026 to 12/31/2026. The government intends to award a firm fixed price contract for this item.

• The primary deliverable is a "Cell Analyzer".

• Delivery is required by 12/31/2026.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: 05/12/2026 to 12/31/2026.

• Quotations must be submitted to the issuing office (Block 5a) by close of business on 05/11/2026 at 1600 CT.

• The quoter agrees to hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the specified receipt date.

• Award will be made to the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) quoter.

• Evaluation criteria include Price (fair and reasonable) and Technical Acceptability.

• Technical Acceptability requires meeting or exceeding all salient characteristics, providing sufficient descriptive literature/documentation, and availability for delivery within the specified timeframe.

• Past Performance will also be evaluated.

• Shipping costs must be included in the price quote.

• This solicitation includes a "Notice of Total Small Business Aside" (52.219-6) and "Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns" (52.219-4).

• Questions regarding the solicitation should be submitted via email to james.porter@usda.gov.

• The document incorporates numerous FAR clauses by reference, including those related to commercial products and services, small business concerns, and anti-discrimination.

• The delivery destination is FOB Destination to MWA Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research in Ames, IA.

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

To acquire a cell analyzer instrument capable of enumerating and characterizing non-viable and viable animal cells and nuclei. The system should simultaneously acquire light scatter properties and detect fluorescent labels.

• Acquire a small, portable, and automated cell analyzer instrument.

• The instrument must enumerate eukaryotic cells (primary cells and cell lines) or nuclei from animal tissue suspensions.

• Determine the number of non-viable and viable cells in minimal time with high automation.

• Acquire light scatter characteristics (forward and side scatter) and detect fluorescent labels.

• Identify cell/nuclei integrity, stress parameters, and user-defined cell populations using 5 different channels (forward scatter, side scatter, and 3 fluorescent channels).

• Rapid processing time: < 1 minute per sample preferred; up to 2 minutes maximum.

• Maximum accuracy for concentration and viability: average % CV less than 5%.

• Minimum sample volume: 200ul; maximum dead volume: 50ul.

• Minimum one-year warranty for the new, unused product.

• Delivery location: USDA-NADC, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Bldg 24, Ames, IA 50010.

• No access to the building is required; user should be able to assemble and set up upon delivery.

• Laser-based fluorescence detection via microcapillary system.

• 5-decade dynamic range.

• 5-parameter fluorescent-based detection for cell counts, viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle.

• Minimal spectral overlap for at least 3 fluorescent channels.

• Ability to detect cells/nuclei of various sizes (approx. 0.5-60 um diameter).

• Small and portable: < 15lb, fitting within a 10in x 15in x 10in biosafety cabinet.

• Integrated computer system with decontamination capabilities.

• Software for user-defined assays and real-time data analysis (FCS 3.0 and CSV output).

• One-step reagents for cell labeling, counting, and viability assessment (purchased separately).

• Preferred items: Cytek Muse Micro Blue 5 Channel (Qty: 1), Muse System Check Kit (Qty: 1), Guava Instr Clean Fluid 100 ml (Qty: 1), including shipping.

• Technical acceptability is more important than price.