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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is soliciting quotes for an MRI Whole Body Composition Analyzer and associated accessories. This requirement is for the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks, ND. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for a firm-fixed-price contract. Quotes are due May 8, 2026, at 12:00 PM MT.
Scope of Work
The acquisition is for an EchoMRI Lab Whole Body Composition Analyzer (brand name or equal) and specific accessories, including specimen holders and insert antennas/probes. The analyzer is required for vivarium use in animal studies, replacing an existing non-functional 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 (1g to 700g) and organs/tissues (≤7g).
- Operational Ease: No anesthesia or special preparation needed before measurement; no additional calibration required after initial delivery and setup.
- Inclusions: Operational training, manufacturer's comprehensive system warranty, and application support (parts, labor, shipping). Bidders must ensure proposed equipment meets all listed specifications.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (Request for Quotation - RFQ)
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
- 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
- Questions Due: April 28, 2026, 12:00 PM Mountain Time
- Quotes Due: May 8, 2026, 12:00 PM Mountain Time
- Published Date: May 4, 2026 (Amendment)
Submission & Evaluation
Quotes must be submitted via email to amber.sampson@usda.gov. Offerors must provide pricing for all line items to be considered responsive. For "or equal" items, descriptive literature demonstrating how they meet salient characteristics is required. Evaluation will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology.
- Price Evaluation: Considers period of performance, total quoted amount, discounts, shipping, and other quoted pricing.
- Technical Acceptability: Rated "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on meeting salient characteristics.
- Past Performance: Evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable.
Place of Performance
Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, 2420 2nd Avenue North, Grand Forks, ND 58203. Delivery hours are Monday – Friday, 6 AM – 6 PM (excluding federal holidays).
Contact Information
Primary Point of Contact: Amber Sampson, amber.sampson@usda.gov, 9708513730.