CFX Duet Real-Time PCR System and Accompanying Software

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the detailed specifications for the CFX Duet Real-Time PCR System and accompanying CFX Maestro Software required for the opportunity. It serves as a technical requirement document for potential bidders.

CFX Duet Real-Time PCR System (3 units):

• Minimum Requirements:
  • 96-well block, 2-color detection plus FRET, includes base unit and cables.
  • Compatible with CFX Maestro Software.
• Technical Specifications:
  • Automated lid, no extended footprint or clearance needed.
  • Thermal gradient up to 24°C front-to-back.
  • Peltier-driven thermal cycler, max ramp speed 5°C/sec.
  • Block operational range 0–100°C; accuracy +/-0.2°C, uniformity +/-0.3°C.
  • Optical system for 2 fluorescent dyes per well, fixed optical path.
  • Excitation 450–535 nm, detection 515–580 nm.
  • Dedicated channel for FRET/Protein Thermal Shift.
  • Reads 96 wells in 12 seconds (3 seconds in fast scan mode).
  • Linear dynamic range 10 orders of magnitude.
  • Detects 1 copy of target sequence; reaction volumes 1–50 μL (10–25 μL recommended).
  • Detects ≤10 fmol fluorescein.
  • Integrates with automation systems.
  • Continues run upon software interruption.
  • Low sample volume requirements (ideally 1μL, up to 10μL acceptable).
  • Flexibility for multiple chemistries.
  • Does not require ROX for gene expression assays.
  • Small footprint: not exceeding 14” x 23” x 15” (W x D x H).
  • Minimum 1-year warranty from installation completion.
  • Includes training for new employees.

CFX Maestro Software 2.3 (1 license):

• For Windows PCs.
• Features:
  • Real-time PCR plate setup, data collection, statistics, graphing.
  • Multiplex amplification and melt curve analysis (up to five fluorophores).
  • Well Groups feature for analysis and reporting.
  • Customizable display configurations.
  • Automated calculations for PCR quantification and allelic discrimination.
  • Gene expression analysis (ΔCq, ΔΔCq).
  • Reference Gene Selector Tool.
  • Export data to Excel or print.
  • qbasePLUS software integration for further analysis.
  • Embedded reports tool (PDF export).
  • LIMS integration.
  • Optional Security Edition for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
  • Email notification upon run completion.
  • Contextual help information.
  • Data grouping by technical and biological replicates.
  • Image export options (DPI, size, color).
  • Image annotation function.
  • Performs t-tests and ANOVA calculations.
  • Integrates with PrimePCR.
  • Multiple data display formats (bar chart, dot plot, etc.).
  • Custom data view.

Bidders must ensure their proposed "brand name or equal" systems and software meet or exceed these detailed specifications. The delivery location is USDA, ARS, SEA, Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research Laboratory in Baton Rouge, LA. Delivery is required within 30 days after award. Contact Michael Simone-Finstrom for delivery details.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks proposals for the procurement of three (3) CFX Duet Real-Time PCR Systems with 96-well blocks and 2-color detection, including base units, cables, and CFX Maestro Software 2.3 licenses. The systems must be brand name or equal, include a minimum one-year warranty post-installation, and come with necessary training for setup and use. Costs for training must be included in the total item cost.

• Three (3) CFX Duet Real-Time PCR Systems (brand name or equal)

• One (1) CFX Maestro Software 2.3 license per system

• Minimum one-year warranty from completion of installation

• Training for system use and setup for new employees

• Vendor must provide descriptive literature for "or equal" items.

• Award Type: Anticipated single award.

• Delivery: Required by June 30, 2026. Early deliveries are accepted.

• F.O.B. Point: Destination, inclusive of all costs.

• Submission Deadline: Friday, May 8, 2026, by 3:00 p.m. Central Time.

• Submission Method: Electronically via email to monte.jordan@usda.gov, with Solicitation Number 1232SA26Q0496 in the subject line.

• Questions Deadline: May 4, 2026, by 12:00 PM Central Time via email to monte.jordan@usda.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). The lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability and Past Performance. If unsuccessful, the next lowest priced offer will be evaluated, and so on.

• Quotation Requirements: Firm Fixed-Price quotation on company letterhead, including item description, unit price, total price for all CLINs, and Offeror’s SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Pricing for all line items is mandatory.

• Offer Acceptance Period: 60 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• The solicitation includes various FAR and AGAR clauses related to small business utilization, Buy American, and other compliance requirements. Specific set-aside information is not detailed in this attachment but may be present in the main solicitation.

• This document incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions by reference, including terms and conditions, instructions to offerors, and representations and certifications. Key clauses include FAR 52.212-4 (Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services) and AGAR 452.203-71 (Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance).

• Attachment 1: Terms and Conditions

• Attachment 2: Specifications

• Attachment 3: Price Schedule of Line Items

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 3, a Price Schedule for Solicitation 1232SA26Q0496. It requires bidders to provide pricing for specific line items related to a Real-Time PCR System and associated software.

• CLIN 0001: CFX Duet Real-Time PCR System (96-well block, 2-color detection, FRET, base unit, cables).
• CLIN 0002: CFX Maestro Software 2.3 for Windows PC (license for plate setup, data collection, statistics, graphing). Requires brand name or equal, minimum one-year warranty post-installation, training for new employees, with costs included in the total item cost.
• CLIN 0003: Freight / Shipping Charges.
• Total Price: Base Year + Four Option Years.
• Fields for Offeror Name, Address, UEI, CAGE Code, Business Size, Point of Contact, Phone, and Email.
• Acknowledgment of amendments (if any).
• Agreement to hold prices firm for 60 calendar days.
• Signature block for authorized representative.

Bidders must complete this price schedule to submit their quotation. It outlines the specific items and services required, including detailed specifications for the PCR system and software. Bidders need to fill in unit prices and total prices, and provide their company information. The document also specifies the quotation due date and time (May 8, 2026, 03:00 pm CDT) and the period of performance (05/11/2026 - 06/30/2026).