MRI Whole Body Composition Analyzer
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 an MRI Whole Body Composition Analyzer (Solicitation 1232SA26Q0490) for the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks, ND. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. Quotes are due April 29, 2026, at 1700 MT.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for an EchoMRI Lab Whole Body Composition Analyzer (brand name or equal) and associated accessories, including specific specimen holders and insert antennas (EchoMRI-A100 and EchoMRI A10). This equipment will be used for vivarium animal studies and is a replacement for an existing, non-functional MRI machine.
Key technical specifications include:
- Mobility: Easily movable via wheels or casters.
- Measurement Capabilities: Must measure fat-mass, lean-mass, free-water, and total-body water in live animals ranging from 1g to 700g, and organs/tissues up to 7g.
- Ease of Use: No anesthesia or special preparation required before measurement; no additional calibration needed after initial setup.
- Inclusions: Operational training, manufacturer's comprehensive system warranty, and application support (parts, labor, shipping).
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a Firm-Fixed-Price contract.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees).
- Period of Performance: 90 days.
- Delivery: 60 Days After Award to Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, 2420 2nd Avenue North, Grand Forks, ND 58203.
- Questions Due: April 28, 2026, 12:00 PM Mountain Time.
- Quotes Due: April 29, 2026, 1700 MT.
- Published Date: April 22, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Method: Quotes must be submitted via email to Amber Sampson at amber.sampson@usda.gov.
- Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). The lowest-priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability. If unacceptable, the next lowest-priced offer will be considered.
- Price Evaluation: Considers period of performance, total quoted amount, discounts, shipping, and other quoted pricing.
- Technical Acceptability: Rated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on meeting salient characteristics. Offerors proposing "or equal" items must provide descriptive literature.
- Past Performance: Evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable.
- Requirements: Offerors must provide pricing for all line items to be considered responsive.
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Amber Sampson (amber.sampson@usda.gov, 970-851-3730).