Microscope Slide Scanner
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) / Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is soliciting quotations for a Microscope Slide Scanner system for its facility in College Station, TX. This Total Small Business Set-Aside acquisition seeks a high-performance digital slide scanner, integrated analysis software, and a computer system. Quotations are due May 15, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for one (1) digital slide scanner system, including a workstation and software, to support histological analysis and biomolecule quantification. Key technical specifications include:
- Automated Scanning: High-performance microscopy, image acquisition, and scanning with 5.5 micron X 5.5 micron pixel size in brightfield. Must support automated tissue identification, scanning in x, y, and z planes, and 3D specimen representation.
- Capacity & Speed: Ability to scan 120 slides per session, with a scan speed of less than 450 seconds for a standard 15 X 15 mm slide at 20X.
- Imaging Capabilities: Minimum 8-slot automatic filter wheel for fluorescent filters, 20X and 40X APO objectives (with capacity for 63X oil objectives), and an LED light source for DAPI, GFP, Orange, CY5, Red, and CY7 imaging.
- System Features: Must include an autoloader, weigh less than 120 kg, and integrate with a workstation featuring seamless software for control, acquisition, analysis, and storage.
- Incidental Services: Installation of the system, on-site training immediately after installation, and one year of phone and virtual meeting support.
- Delivery: All items and services are required within 60 days of award to the Responsive Agricultural Food Systems Research Unit, College Station, TX.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (Request for Quotation - RFQ) for commercial items, Firm Fixed Price.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees).
- Response Due: May 15, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT.
- Questions Due: May 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT.
- Published: May 4, 2026.
- Warranty: Minimum 1-year warranty from completion of installation.
- Period of Performance: Delivery within 60 days after award; one year of support following installation.
Submission & Evaluation
Offerors must submit:
- A Firm Fixed Price quotation on company letterhead, detailing items, description, price, place of manufacture, and all-inclusive costs (including shipping), valid for at least 60 days.
- A completed SF-1449 with blocks 17a, 30a, 30b, 30c, and all Contract Line Items priced.
- Sam.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI).
- A Capability Statement and/or technical documentation demonstrating compliance with all salient characteristics. Failure to submit all requested items by the due date will result in quotation rejection. Award will be made to the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) vendor, based on technical approach (meeting or exceeding specifications) and price. The Government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct them.
Contact Information
All questions and quotations must be submitted via email to Elizabeth Calhoun at Elizabeth.Calhoun@usda.gov. Emails must include the solicitation Title Name and Number in the subject line.