Multiparameter Sensors

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for Multiparameter Sensors (MPS) required for research at the USDA-ARS-ERRC. The sensors are needed for monitoring biomass, dissolved oxygen, and fluorescence in real-time experiments using a unique small-scale incubator shake flask system. The device must be compatible with Windows 10 or newer and include DOTS software. The government is seeking an equivalent to SBI Scientific Bioprocessing/Multiparameter Sensors.

• Multiparameter Sensors (MPS) capable of monitoring backscattered (biomass), dissolved oxygen, and fluorescence.

• Must include or be equivalent to SBI Scientific Bioprocessing/Multiparameter Sensors.

• Must include DOTS software compatible with Windows 10 or newer.

• The contract will be for commercial products and commercial services.

• Award Type: Firm-fixed price purchase order.

• Period of Performance: March 31, 2026 - March 31, 2027. Early deliveries are accepted.

• Evaluation Method: Comparative analysis, seeking the best value to the Government. Formal trade-off procedures will not be conducted.

• Evaluation Factors:

  • Relevant Experience: Assessed based on scope, size, complexity, and alignment with government needs.
  • Past Performance: Evaluated based on recency, relevancy, and quality of performance over the last five years. A Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 3) must be submitted.
  • Technical: The government will review the contractor's plan for completing docketing, tracking, paying, and reporting (max 4 pages, 12-point font).

• Pricing: Offerors must submit pricing for all items. Quotations will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

• Offer Validity: Prices must be held firm for 60 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• Several clauses related to small business concerns are listed, including "Notice of Total Small Business Aside" (52.219-6) and "Utilization of Small Business Concerns" (52.219-8), suggesting potential set-aside considerations.

• Questions due: March 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST. Submit via email to tucker.davis@usda.gov.

• Solicitation Name and Number must be included in the subject line of the email.

• This solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses by reference. Full text is available upon request or online.

• Key attachments include: Solicitation Terms and Conditions, Specifications, and Past Performance Questionnaire.

• Delivery is F.O.B. destination to: NEA SUSTAINABLE BIOFUELS AND CO-PRO, Eastern Regional Research Center, 600 E. Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) attached to a Request For Quote (RFQ) for Multiparameter Sensors. Its purpose is to collect feedback from clients regarding a contractor's past performance on previous projects. This information will be used by the government to evaluate potential bidders.

• Contractor Information: Fields for client organization name, project name/contract number, description of support provided, total period of performance, dates, total cost/price, and number of contractor personnel.
• Technical Point of Contact (POC) Section: Collects contact details for the client's technical POC, date of contact, and confirmation that the client was informed about the questionnaire deadline (March 12, 2026, 1:00 pm EST) and potential follow-up by USDA.
• Performance Ratings (Technical POC): Asks for ratings (Excellent to Poor/N/A) on Overall Technical Performance, Quality of Work, Schedule Performance, and Cost Performance. It also includes questions about proactive risk identification and whether the POC would use the company again.
• Contracting Point of Contact (POC) Section: Similar to the Technical POC section, but for the client's contracting POC, collecting contact details and performance ratings on Overall Contractual Performance.
• Instructions: Bidders are instructed to complete the company-specific information, contact their clients, have clients complete and score the questionnaire, and send it via email to tucker.davis@usda.gov.

Bidders must ensure their clients complete and return this questionnaire by the specified deadline. The ratings and feedback provided will directly impact the evaluation of their past performance, which is a critical factor in the RFQ process for Multiparameter Sensors.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document specifies the requirements for Multiparameter Sensors (MPS) to be used for research at the USDA-ARS-ERRC. It details the necessary equipment for monitoring backscattered biomass and dissolved oxygen in small-scale incubator shake flasks.

• Product: SBI Scientific Bioprocessing/Multiparameter sensors (MPS) or equivalent for biomass and dissolved oxygen.
• Quantity: 6 units.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Infrastructure for shake flasks of 250 mL adapter.
  • Licenses for 6 (six) biomass and 6 (six) dissolved oxygen.
  • Multiparameter sensors (6 pieces).
  • Active USB Extension cable (5m) (1 each).
  • Sensor pill - dissolved oxygen (30 pieces).
  • DOTS software 2 (1 piece).
  • Compatibility with New Brunswick Scientific (Innova 44) shaking incubator.
  • Compatibility with Windows 10 or newer Windows 11 operating systems.
• Place of Delivery: USDA-ARS-ERRC, 600 E. Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038.

This attachment outlines the specific technical specifications and quantities of the multiparameter sensors and associated components required. Bidders should use this information to ensure their proposed products meet all listed requirements, including software compatibility and physical infrastructure needs, to be considered for this opportunity.