Controlled Atmosphere Storage System
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), is soliciting quotations for a Controlled Atmosphere Storage System for its Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, WV. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 333415 (1250 Employees). The system is crucial for research on postharvest storage of pome fruits. Quotations are due May 12, 2026, at 0900 ET.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a comprehensive Controlled Atmosphere Storage System designed for a horticultural laboratory setting. Key functionalities include:
- System Functionality: Create, maintain, and monitor controlled atmospheric environments for fruit samples.
- Modular Design: Must consist of multiple, independent chambers (pods) with individually controllable atmospheric conditions.
- Automated Control: Closed-loop system to automatically measure and maintain user-defined O2 and CO2 concentrations by injecting necessary gases.
- Sensing & Logging: Integrated O2 and CO2 sensors with data logging capabilities and export (e.g., CSV, Excel).
- Construction & Compatibility: Hermetically sealed, durable, clear material (e.g., acrylic), compact, stackable design, compatible with existing climate-controlled facilities (0-4 degrees C).
- Performance: Control ranges for O2 (0.1%-30%) and CO2 (0%-30%) with accuracy of ±0.2% or better.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order (FAR Part 12)
- Solicitation Number: 1232SA26Q0376
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 333415 (Small Business Size Standard: 1250 Employees)
- Quotations Due: May 12, 2026, at 0900 ET
- Published: May 5, 2026
- Delivery: Required within 45 days after award.
- Place of Performance: Kearneysville, WV 25430
Evaluation & Submission
Quotations will be evaluated based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria. Technical acceptability will be assessed on an "acceptable" or "unacceptable" basis, and past performance will also be considered. Submission Requirements:
- Pricing must be provided for all Contract Line Items (CLINs); failure to price individual line items may result in exclusion.
- Complete the SF1449 form, including pricing in the yellow blocks and checking the Block 20 checkbox.
- Complete the Buy American Certificate and Place of Manufacture provisions.
- Inquiries must be submitted via email to the primary point of contact.
Contact Information
Primary Point of Contact: Christopher Turner, christopher.c.turner@usda.gov