Large Pure Water System (RO)
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 USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is soliciting quotes for a Large Pure Water System producing reverse osmosis (RO)/Type 3 water for the National Sedimentation Laboratory in Oxford, MS. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). Quotes are due by February 2, 2026.
Scope of Work
The Water Quality and Ecology Research Unit requires a large pure water system to feed an established reservoir and distribute water to laboratories. Key specifications include:
- System Type: Reverse osmosis (RO)/Type 3 water.
- Capacity: Capable of producing 120 liters/hour or up to 2,400 liters/day.
- Pretreatment: Must remove particles, free chlorine, and colloids, with specific rejection rates for conductivity (95% ionic) and Total Organic Carbon (99% for MW>200 Dalton).
- Performance: Must emit less than 50 decibels, include an interactive touchscreen, and automatically assess feed water quality to optimize water recovery (45-75%).
- Physical Constraints: Footprint of 48.8 x 21.4 x 21.3 inches, ergonomic floor model design.
- Logistics: Includes initial system installation, associated travel costs, and shipping costs. Delivery, installation, and technician training are required within 120 days of award.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm-fixed-price requirements contract.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 333310 (Water Purification Equipment), with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.
- Agency: USDA, Agricultural Research Service.
- Place of Performance: National Sedimentation Laboratory, 598 McElroy Drive, Oxford, MS 38655.
Submission & Evaluation
- Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).
- Price: Evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.
- Technical Acceptability: Rated "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on meeting requirements and demonstrating understanding.
- Past Performance: Rated "acceptable," "neutral," or "unacceptable."
- Submission Requirements: Offerors must submit pricing for all items and hold prices firm for 90 calendar days. Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to jessica.pacheco@usda.gov.
Key Dates
- Questions Due: January 27, 2026, 4:00 PM Central Time.
- Quotes Due: February 2, 2026.
- Published Date: January 16, 2026.
Additional Notes
Full text of provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference and available at www.acquisition.gov. Early deliveries are accepted.