Circular Dichroism Spectrometer
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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically the AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, is soliciting quotations for a Circular Dichroism Spectrometer for the National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside and aims to replace an outdated instrument crucial for research into prion fibrils. Quotations are due by July 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM CDST.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a new, higher-sensitivity Circular Dichroism (CD) Spectrometer. Key specifications include:
- Software compatible with Windows 11 and existing lab data.
- Simultaneous measurement of CD, LD, and Absorbance.
- Three wavelength scanning modes: continuous, step-scan, and auto-scan.
- Dual prism polarizing monochromator with parallel beam.
- Wavelength range of 163-950 nm with specified stray light and RMS noise limits.
- Integrated Xenon 150W supracil, air-cooled light source.
- Integrated wavelength calibration source with N2 purge and mercury lamp.
- Peltier Temperature control system (-40°C to +130°C) with ±0.5°C accuracy.
- Thermal analysis software for melting point, enthalpy, and entropy determination.
- Scanning Emission Monochromator for Fluorescence scanning.
- A computer with minimum 16 GB RAM and 256 GB solid-state drive.
- Onsite installation and training, including instrument and software familiarization, and service/support personnel.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order (Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, Request for Quotation - RFQ).
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.
- Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees.
- Delivery: Within 90 days after receipt of order, by November 1, 2026. Early deliveries are accepted.
- Period of Acceptance: Offers must be valid for 90 calendar days from the offer due date.
- Place of Performance: Ames, IA, United States.
Submission & Evaluation
Award will be made to the offeror with the highest technically rated quotation that also has fair and reasonable pricing and acceptable or neutral past performance. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.
- Technical Approach: Must demonstrate understanding of requirements and capability. Submissions must include the Quoter's SAM UEI, confirmation of meeting salient characteristics, brand name/model, descriptive literature, and delivery timeframe.
- Price: Must include pricing for all individual line items and will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.
- Past Performance: Will be evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable.
Key Dates & Contact
- Questions Due: June 26, 2026, 5:00 PM Central Daylight Time.
- Quotations Due: July 10, 2026, 5:00 PM Central Daylight Time (CDST).
- Contact: Kerrie Hodges (kerrie.hodges@usda.gov).