66--NM SOUTHWESTERN NATIVE ARC - Tissue Processor (Bra

Specifications / Other

This document outlines the specifications for an Automatic Tissue Processor required by the NM Southwestern Native ARC. The processor will be used for histopathological evaluation of fish tissues in support of endangered fish research, disease diagnostics, reproductive ecology, and hatchery assessment.

• Product: Automatic Tissue Processor, Leica Biosystems/Leica Microsystems Inc.

• Automated 12-station processor with programmable cycles.

• Vacuum infiltration capability up to 500 hPa differential.

• Benchtop footprint with specific dimensions (carousel lid diameter: 820 mm, base diameter: 610 mm, height: 595-780 mm).

• Weight: Approximately 60 kg.

• Integrated fume-control system with carbon filtration.

• Power-failure immersion protection.

• Reagent station capacity: 10 total stations (9 usable), 1.8 L per station.

• Wax baths: Minimum 2 heated paraffin baths with temperature control (45–65°C).

• Basket throughput: Minimum 100 cassette capacity, 200 with dual baskets.

• Programmability: At least 9 programs, each station up to 99 hours 59 minutes, delayed start.

• Electrical compatibility: 100/120/230/240 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz.

• Delivery: White glove delivery, OEM-compliant packaging, OEM user manual, programming manual, installation instructions, warranty information, customer service contact, and safety documentation.

• Pricing: Quoted prices must be FOB Destination.

• Delivery Location: Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center, 7116 Hatchery Road, Dexter, NM 88230, Attn: Fish Health / Research Unit.

• Delivery Timeline: Within 60 days after receipt of a fully executed purchase order.

• Coordination: Contact the Point of Contact at least three days prior to delivery to arrange a specific time.

• Unloading: Sole responsibility of the delivery carrier; no government labor or equipment will be provided.

• Included: Prices quoted must include installation.

• Responsibility: Contractor provides all labor, parts, and materials.

• Standards: Install according to Leica OEM standards.

• Verification: Ensure equipment passes initial startup checks and is operational.

• Government Support: No government tools, labor, or equipment will be required.

• Tracy Diver (Fish Biologist): tracy_diver@fws.gov, (505) 850-4147

• Huseyin Kucuktas, Ph.D. (Fish Health Unit Leader): huseyin_kucuktas@fws.gov, (575) 420-5711

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of a Tissue Processor for the NM Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center (ARC). The government intends to award a firm-fixed-price order to the responsible offeror whose submittal documents conform to the requirements and offers the best value, considering technical specifications, lead time, and price. Non-price factors will be considered approximately equal to price.

• Item: Automatic Tissue Processor (Brand Name: Leica Biosystems/Leica Microsystems Inc. or equal).

• Technical Specifications: Offerors must submit technical specifications for the proposed item. The goods must meet or exceed the salient characteristics outlined in the attached specification document.

• Lead Time: Offerors must provide the estimated lead time for delivery after receipt of a fully executed purchase order.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price order.

• Period of Performance: January 21, 2026, to April 30, 2026.

• Delivery Date: April 30, 2026.

• Quotes Due: January 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Email to dana_arnold@fws.gov as a single PDF file.

• Evaluation Factors: Offers will be evaluated based on the following factors: ability to meet technical specifications, lead time after receipt of order, and price. Non-price factors, when combined, will be approximately equal when compared to price.

• Set-Aside: This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 334516 (Size Standard: 1,000 employees).

• Offerors must complete and submit the SF 1449 form, company information, and any solicitation amendments.

• Failure to provide required documentation may result in the offer being deemed technically unacceptable.

• The solicitation includes numerous provisions and clauses related to representations, certifications, and contract terms.

Other / Unclassified (Single Source Justification)

This document is a Single Source Justification (SSJ) for a brand name purchase of an Automatic Tissue Processor manufactured by Leica Biosystems/Leica Microsystems Inc. The justification is made under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT).

The Southwestern ARRC requires this specific Automatic Tissue Processor to conduct endangered fish research, supporting histopathology, reproductive ecology, disease diagnostics, and hatchery enrichment. The current equipment enables high-volume standardized histology in-house, eliminating reliance on outside facilities. Key features include vacuum infiltration, a 12-station programmable carousel, integrated fume control, power-failure protection, and dual-basket throughput. The need arises because existing bench-top methods are slow, low-capacity, and cannot process difficult tissues like female fish gonads.

Market research indicates that this is a brand name request, and other brands considered "equal" will not be accepted. The justification states that no other brand is currently available with the specific capabilities of benchtop-scale automation, full capacity, vacuum infiltration, programmable multi-station capability, and fume control. Other processors require floor-standing installation or external ventilation incompatible with the current facility.

Future acquisitions requiring these specifications will be competed. The requesting office will continue to monitor the market for alternative brands meeting the required specifications.

Contractors must provide an Automatic Tissue Processor of the brand Leica Biosystems/Leica Microsystems Inc. that meets the required specifications.

Price will be determined fair and reasonable at the time of award.

The acquisition is recommended for sole source procedures by the Program Office and approved by the Contracting Officer under FAR Part 13.