Design, Manufacture, and Installation of BSL-3Ag Soft Wall Containment Enclosures
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) is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified small businesses for the design, manufacture, and installation of custom BSL-3Ag soft wall containment enclosures at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS. The USDA anticipates awarding a single firm fixed-price contract on a Small Business Set-Aside basis, provided sufficient qualified small businesses respond. Responses are due June 12, 2026.
Purpose
This Sources Sought aims to gather information from industry to procure custom-designed, semi-permanent soft wall enclosures and doorways. These enclosures will provide enhanced containment within non-active ABSL-3Ag environments at NBAF, ensuring compliance and safety standards.
Scope of Work
The requirement involves a comprehensive solution, broken down into three main components:
- CLIN 1: Site Visit Prior to Manufacturing: The contractor must conduct an on-site visit to evaluate spaces and take precise measurements for final specifications.
- CLIN 2: Design and Manufacturing: This includes submitting detailed drawings and specifications for custom soft wall containment enclosures and doorways. Key design characteristics require vinyl skin with Velcro connections, anodized aluminum frames, overlapping plastic strip doorways, and anchorage compatible with concrete, masonry, and stainless steel doorframes. The design must prioritize ease of cleaning and sterilization.
- CLIN 3: Delivery and Installation: Materials must be delivered to NBAF, Manhattan, KS, and installed according to the final design. All penetrations must be appropriately sealed to meet BSL-3Ag facility requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (anticipates a single firm fixed-price award)
- Anticipated Duration: 365 days from Notice to Proceed
- Set-Aside: Anticipated Small Business Set-Aside (conditional on market research)
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, 05:00 PM ET
- Published: June 8, 2026
Special Requirements
Contractor personnel will require a REAL ID compliant ID, must pass a Fitness Suitability determination, sign an NDA, and complete site security/safety orientation. US citizenship is required for all contractor personnel, who will undergo Tier 2 background investigations for site access. Work will occur in an occupied building, requiring coordination with facility personnel to avoid disruption. The contractor must provide a qualified engineer/technician knowledgeable in high containment laboratory design and Federal Select Agent Program regulations. Compliance with federal, state, local codes, and industry standards (e.g., UBC, NFPA, UL) is mandatory.
Response Requirements
Interested firms should provide:
- Company name, point of contact, phone, email, UEI.
- Statement of small business status (including type/certifications) and corresponding NAICS code (339999, 550 employees size standard).
- Indication of interest as prime contractor, and any subcontracting/JV/teaming arrangements.
- Detailed information on previous experience with similar requirements (size, scope, complexity, timeframe, certifications).
- Information on commercial availability, pricing, delivery schedules, terms, and warranties.
- Suggestions on how USDA can structure requirements to facilitate small business competition.
- Identification of any conditions restricting competition.
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought notice for information and planning purposes only. It does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue one. The Government is not seeking quotes or proposals at this time and will not pay for response costs. Not responding does not preclude participation in any future solicitation.