EchoMRI 700 Laboratory Whole Body Composition

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center (GFHNRC) requires an MRI whole body composition analyzer to measure fat-mass, lean-mass, free-water, and total-body-water in animal models for studies on growth, metabolism, and diet.

• Provide an MRI whole body composition analyzer.

• The analyzer must be capable of measuring body composition in live animals up to 700g without anesthesia or special preparation.

• It must also have the option to measure live animals weighing ≤100g and organs or tissues ≤7g.

• The scope includes all necessary hardware, software, accessories, and components for operational capability upon installation.

• The analyzer must be suitable for IACUC-approved animal studies.

• The studies are critical for understanding the effects of diet, physical activity, and other factors on human health using animal models.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation criteria for a brand name procurement using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method. It specifies that FAR 52.212-2 is not applicable and evaluation will be based on the criteria detailed herein, with award made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires specific brand name items: EchoMRI-700 (Part Number: EchoMRI, Manufacturer: EchoMRI LLC) and all associated equipment.

• Quoted products must be the exact brand name, make, and model number specified.

• Offerors must provide sufficient documentation (e.g., manufacturer quote, datasheet) to confirm the offered product is the exact item requested.

• Products must be new (not refurbished or remanufactured) and meet all delivery requirements.

• Alternate, substitute, or "equal" products will not be considered and will be deemed technically unacceptable.

• Price: Offerors must provide pricing as requested, including any quantity price discounts and discounts for prompt payment. Pricing for the base period is required; failure to do so may result in disqualification. Pricing will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

• Technical Acceptability: Evaluated to determine an overall rating of "acceptable" or "unacceptable." Only quotations offering the exact brand name, make, and model will be considered.

• Past Performance: The Government may use provided references, past USDA contracts/orders, Federal Government sources, and CPARS to assess past performance. Ratings will be "Acceptable," "Neutral" (no record), or "Unacceptable."

• Evaluation Method: Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Capability. If the lowest priced offer is not technically acceptable or has unacceptable past performance, the evaluation will proceed to the next lowest priced offer until the lowest priced, technically acceptable offer with acceptable or neutral past performance is identified.

• Text in black is mandatory; blue text is an example. If example language is not used, evaluation criteria must still be included.

• Only technically acceptable quotations will be considered for award.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of an EchoMRI-700 Laboratory Whole Body Composition analyzer. The purpose is to procure this specific equipment for the USDA ARS SEA AAO ACQ/PER PROP at the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center.

• The primary deliverable is an EchoMRI-700 analyzer.

• The MRI analyzer must provide high precision measurement of fat-mass, lean-mass, and free-water.

• It must be capable of analyzing live animals with a total body mass up to 700g.

• The period of performance is from April 15, 2026, to July 15, 2026.

• Delivery is expected by July 15, 2026.

• The offer due date is April 10, 2026, at 1600 ET.

• This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

• The acquisition is listed as "UNRESTRICTED" with no specific set-aside indicated.

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

• FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5 are incorporated by reference.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for the procurement of an EchoMRI laboratory Whole Body Composition Analyzer. The acquisition is set aside for small business concerns.

• Procurement of an EchoMRI laboratory Whole Body Composition Analyzer.

• Compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses and provisions.

• Specific clauses incorporated by reference and those checked as applicable, including those related to small business concerns, combating trafficking in persons, and sustainable products.

• Adherence to AGAR clauses concerning Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance, Delivery Instructions, Advance Shipment Notice, Regulatory Requirements for Commodities and Packaging, Commodity/Packaging Labeling, Compensation for Delays, Unitization, U.S. Origin Products, Manufacturing Practices, FDA Food Facility Registration, Loading/Blocking/Bracing, and Seals on Transportation Conveyances.

• Anticipated award type: Firm-Fixed Price Contract.

• Quotes will be evaluated based on Technical Approach, Price, and Past Performance.

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, prioritizing the most technically advantageous solution with a fair and reasonable price and acceptable or neutral past performance.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days.

• Questions are due by April 7, 2026, at 3:00 PM Central Time via email to lynn.hults@usda.gov.

• Offers must be submitted by the solicitation closing date (not explicitly stated, but questions are due April 7, 2026).

• Acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code: 334516.

• Small business size standard: 1,000 Employees.

• All responsible sources may submit a quotation.

• The document incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses by reference and lists specific clauses that are applicable or checked as applicable.

• Delivery is requested F.o.b. destination within 90 days to Grand Forks, ND.

• Offerors must register in the System for Award Management (SAM).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the technical specifications for a required MRI whole body composition analyzer for the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center (GFHNRC). It serves as a detailed requirement list for potential bidders.

• Functionality: Must measure fat-mass, lean-mass, free-water, and total-body water.
• Animal Size Capacity: Capable of measuring live animals up to 700g, with additional inserts for animals ≤100g and organs/tissues ≤7g.
• Operational Requirements: No anesthesia or special preparation needed; low maintenance and calibration requirements.
• Support: Includes operational training, comprehensive system warranty, and application support (parts, labor, shipping).
• Delivery Location: Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, 2420 2nd Avenue North, Grand Forks, ND 58203.
• Delivery Hours: Monday – Friday, 6 AM – 6 PM (excluding federal holidays).

This specification document is crucial for bidders to understand the precise technical capabilities and operational requirements of the MRI analyzer being procured. It directly informs product design, configuration, and pricing for proposals. Bidders must ensure their proposed solution meets all listed technical and support requirements.