Combustion Analyzer

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the equipment specifications for an opportunity.

• Replacement Equipment: The requested equipment is not intended as a replacement for the current Eltra unit used for soil and manure testing.
• Methodology: Specific ASTM or EPA method numbers are not being used for this instrument, as it is for dynamic research questions in a research lab setting.
• Combustion Analyzer Specifications: Bidders should refer to the provided specifications for all minimum requirements. Key specifications include:
  • Element concentration range: C up to 20 mg abs., N up to 15 mg abs., S up to 3 mg abs., O* up to 6 mg abs., H* up to 3 mg abs.
  • Precision (external, 1σ): < 0.1 % for C, N, S, and O.
  • Isotope ratio performance (external, 1σ): δ13C: 0.1 ‰, δ15N: 0.15 ‰, δ34S: 0.2 ‰, δ18O: 0.3 ‰, δ2H*: 3 ‰, δ2H* (HDChrome): 0.5 ‰.

This Q&A clarifies equipment specifications and methodology, which bidders should consider when preparing their proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for a combustion analyzer capable of determining the carbon and nitrogen content in biological samples. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is the issuing agency and is exempt from state and federal sales tax.

• One (1) Combustion analyzer for carbon and nitrogen content in biological samples.

• Delivery is required by September 30, 2026.

• This is a Request for Quote (RFQ).

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 334516, with a size standard of 1,000 employees.

• The solicitation number is 1232SA26Q0423.

• Offers are due by April 17, 2026, at 1400 PT.

• The issuing office is USDA ARS Acquisition and Property D, located at 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, RM 3-2102, Beltsville MD 20705.

• Payment will be made via the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

• The acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• Standard Form 1449 is used for this solicitation.

• FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-4 are incorporated by reference and attached.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation invites offers for items requiring specific technical specifications. The government intends to make a single award based on the best value to the Government, utilizing a Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation method. Contractors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive.

• Refer to Attachment 2 – Specifications for a complete list of requirements.

• All parts must be NEW and satisfy form, fit, and function requirements.

• Alternate Parts are authorized if they meet original part requirements and conform to approved configurations.

• Place of manufacture for all supply items MUST be provided.

• Award will be made as a Firm Fixed Price quotation.

• Delivery of all items is required within 60 days of award; early deliveries are accepted.

• Submission Deadline: April 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT.

• Submission Method: Email to Elizabeth.Calhoun@usda.gov with solicitation title and number in the subject line.

• Required Documents: Firm Fixed Price quotation (on company letterhead, detailing itemized supply description, price for each with total, valid for at least 30 days), SF-1449, Sam.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI), Capability Statement and/or technical documentation/brochures showing technical capability.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Quotes will be evaluated on Technical Approach and Price. Past Performance may also be considered.

• Questions Deadline: April 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT to Elizabeth.Calhoun@usda.gov.

• The solicitation includes various FAR clauses related to small business concerns, HUBZone, and utilization of small businesses, indicating potential set-aside considerations.

• This solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses by reference. Full text is available upon request or online.

• Specific clauses include terms and conditions for commercial products/services, representations and certifications, and prohibitions on certain agreements.

• The AGAR clause 452.203-71 addresses Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance, with specific certifications required.

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

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides the specifications for a combustion analyzer required for terrestrial carbon and nitrogen measurement. It outlines the background, scope, objectives, and specific requirements for the equipment.

• Background: Measurement of terrestrial carbon and nitrogen is essential for understanding soil health, microbial activity, nutrient cycling, and impacts on crop production.
• Scope: The analyzer will replace a non-functional unit and support plant, soil, and microbial sample analysis. It should also allow for the potential addition of an isotope ratio mass spectrometer for nutrient tracing.
• Objectives: The analyzer will quantify terrestrial carbon and nitrogen concentrations, assess changes in soil biochemistry related to environmental factors, and aid in developing new plant production and carbon cycling models.
• Requirements:
  • Delivery within 60 days of order placement.
  • Delivery to BARC-West laboratory, Bldg. 001 Rm. 335.
  • Temporary access to Bldg. 001 for installation and training will be required.

This specification document details the technical requirements for a combustion analyzer. Bidders must ensure their proposed equipment meets these specifications, including delivery timelines and installation support, to be considered for this opportunity.