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 quotations (RFQ 1232SA26Q0117) for a Large Pure Water System producing reverse osmosis (RO)/Type 3 water. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside and aims to procure a system for the Water Quality and Ecology Research Unit of the National Sedimentation Laboratory. Quotations are due by February 5, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a large pure water system capable of producing 120 liters/hour or up to 2,400 liters/day of RO/Type 3 water. The system must include pretreatment to remove particles, free chlorine, and colloids, achieving 95% ionic conductivity rejection and 99% Total Organic Carbon rejection (for MW>200 Dalton). Key performance features include emitting less than 50 decibels, an interactive touchscreen, and automatic feed water quality assessment to optimize water recovery (45-75%). The system's footprint must be 48.8 inches (H) x 21.4 inches (W) x 21.3 inches (D), with an ergonomic floor model design. The procurement includes initial system installation, associated travel, and shipping costs. The place of performance is the National Sedimentation Laboratory, 598 McElroy Drive, Oxford, MS 38655.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-fixed-price requirements contract (Combined Synopsis/Solicitation - RFQ)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 333310, size standard 1,000 employees)
- Response Due: February 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
- Questions Due: January 27, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Time (Note: This date has passed)
- Delivery: System must be delivered, installed, and technicians trained within 120 days of award.
Evaluation
Award will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria. Evaluation factors include price (for fairness and reasonableness), technical acceptability (meeting requirements and demonstrating understanding), and past performance (rated as acceptable, neutral, or unacceptable). Offerors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive.
Submission & Contact
Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to Jessica Pacheco (jessica.pacheco@usda.gov). Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days. All responsible sources may submit a quotation. Applicable clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference and available at www.acquisition.gov.