Maintenance Agreement - Qexac
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 Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for market research to identify capable sources for a comprehensive preventative maintenance and repair service contract for critical analytical systems. The objective is to ensure continuous operational readiness of laboratory instruments, specifically Thermo Q Exactive and Vanquish/Dionex systems. This RFI is for planning purposes only and is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ) or Proposal (RFP). Responses are due by May 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM Z.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide all labor, travel, and materials, including Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts, to maintain four Thermo mass spectrometers (one Q Exactive Focus and three Q Exactive Basic systems) coupled with Liquid Chromatographs (LCs) at the USDA-FSIS-OPHS Midwestern Laboratory in Saint Louis, MO. Core service requirements include:
- Preventative Maintenance (PM): One scheduled onsite PM visit per 12-month period for each unit, including standard PM kits and performance verification.
- Onsite Repair Services: Unlimited onsite emergency repair visits with a specified response time of two business days for remedial repairs. Services are required Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM CST.
- Parts & Technical Support: Coverage for all repair and PM parts, unlimited remote technical assistance, software updates for existing versions, and priority access for technical support inquiries. New parts must meet manufacturer specifications.
- Personnel: All services must be performed by Factory-Certified Technicians with proof of recent training/certification.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Market Research
- Anticipated Duration: A base period of 1 year with 4 option years.
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage).
- Published Date: April 30, 2026
- Response Due Date: May 8, 2026, 1:00 PM Z
- Place of Performance: USDA-FSIS-OPHS Midwestern Laboratory, 7654 Natural Bridge Road, Saint Louis, MO 63121.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties should submit a capability statement, typically limited to 15 pages, to the identified Point of Contact. Responses should include:
- Company Information: Name, address, UEI/CAGE code, and socioeconomic status.
- Technical Capabilities: Evidence of previous experience servicing Thermo Q Exactive and Vanquish/Dionex systems.
- Staffing: Confirmation that technicians are factory-trained and have access to proprietary software/parts.
- Feedback: Identification of any ambiguities in the draft Statement of Work (SOW) that might hinder performance.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for market research only; the government is not obligated to award a contract based on responses received. Compliance with facility access, IT security, and Section 508 accessibility standards will be required for any future contract.