NRS Rhinelander Autoclave/Laboratory Steam Sterilizer

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the autoclave procurement, referencing salient characteristics detailed on page six of the solicitation.

• Sterilization Contents: The autoclave will be used to sterilize supplies and equipment for Forest Service research experiments, including glass, liquids, autoclavable plastics, and metal materials.
• Placement: This is for a new placement, not a replacement of an existing unit. The unit will sit freestanding and will not be recessed through a wall.
• Space Constraints: The planned location is a room with a 7-foot depth and 9-foot width, featuring a 31-inch wide entrance doorway. The autoclave is expected to be movable on castors for maintenance access.

Most answers direct the bidder to "page six for the salient characteristics required," indicating that specific technical requirements are detailed there. No changes to deadlines or submission rules are noted in this Q&A document.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks a U.S.-made Autoclave/Laboratory Steam Sterilizer, equal to or equivalent to the Tuttnauer 3870HSG-WS Autoclave. The Northern Research Station 13 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin is the procuring entity.

• One (1) Pre & Post Vacuum Autoclave with an 85L/22.5 Gallon Chamber.

• Specific salient characteristics for the autoclave include:

  • Chamber capacity: 22-32 gal/85-120 L.
  • Interior dimensions: Minimum 15" diameter/height and 29" length (cylindrical) or 15" height x 15" width x 27" depth (rectangular).
  • Ability to accommodate specific bottle and flask sizes.
  • Fractionated pre-vacuum air removal and post-vacuum drying.
  • Stainless-steel interior chamber and built-in steam generator.
  • Sterilization setpoints at 121°C/15 psi and 134°C/30.5 psi.
  • Front loading with automatic door and minimum 2 shelves.
  • Exterior dimensions not exceeding 31" width and 48" depth.
  • Power requirements: 3-Phase, 230 volts, 25 amp., 60Hz.
  • Independent operation from building water, DI water, and external drain.
  • Safety features: double locking safety device, control lock-out switch, and high pressure/temperature safety control.
  • Must be free-standing or include a stand with castors; benchtop units are not acceptable.
  • Compliance with international standards (UL, FDA, CE, ASME).
  • Programmable sterilization cycle settings and ability to save user parameters.

• Offerors providing "or equal" items must include descriptive literature and clearly demonstrate how their product meets all salient characteristics.

• Award Type: Firm-Fixed Price.

• One award is anticipated.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest price technically acceptable.

• Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

• Technical Acceptability: Products must meet or exceed all salient characteristics. Brand name, make, and model number must be identified, or clearly identified as "equal" with supporting documentation.

• Past Performance will be evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable.

• Offerors must have an active entity registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Offerors must submit a completed Schedule of Items and a completed Buy American Certificate.

• Questions due: February 26, 2026.

• Offers due: March 7, 2026, 2359 ET.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days.

• The document references various clauses related to small business concerns, HUBZone, and other set-asides, but specific set-aside information for this solicitation is not explicitly detailed in the provided pages. However, clauses like 52.219-6 (Notice of Total Small Business Aside) and 52.219-4 (Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns) are listed as potentially applicable.

• Delivery required by April 30, 2026; early deliveries accepted.

• Shipping address: USDA- Forest Service, NRS 13 - Rhinelander, Attn: Cara Faillace, 5985 County Hwy K, Rhinelander, WI. 54501.

• The document includes numerous FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions that bidders should review.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Schedule of Items" for the "Autoclave/Laboratory Steam Sterilizer" opportunity, listing the items to be procured and their pricing details for the Base Year FY 2026. It is intended for vendor use in providing pricing information.

• Vendor: NRS Rhinelander
• Item: Pre & Post Vacuum Autoclave 85L/22.5 Gallon Chamber
• Quantity: 1
• Unit: EA (Each)
• Pricing: Fields for Unit Price and Total Price are provided, with the total price field left blank for bidder input.

This attachment requires bidders to input the unit price and total price for the specified autoclave. This information is crucial for proposal preparation and will likely be a key component in the evaluation process.