oKtopure High Throughput DNA Extraction Robot Premier Service

Other / Unclassified

This document is a justification for restricting competition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold for an acquisition related to the Center for Grain and Animal Health Research. It outlines the decision to procure services for proprietary equipment and software through LGC Genomics, LLC.

This document is relevant to potential bidders as it explains why competition is being restricted for this specific opportunity. It details:

• Procurement Need: The USDA Agricultural Research Service requires service, technical support, and preventative maintenance for proprietary equipment and software essential for wheat genotyping services under congressionally mandated initiatives (U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, Wheat Resilience Initiative, and Small Grains Genotyping Initiative). The equipment is critical for timely and cost-efficient DNA extraction, directly impacting the development of disease-resistant wheat varieties.
• Sole Source Provider: LGC Genomics, LLC is identified as the suggested source. The justification states that their equipment and software have proprietary features, unique design elements, and operating capabilities not available from other suppliers. These components are not interoperable with third-party hardware, and only the manufacturer provides necessary updates and support.
• Justification for Restriction: Integrating a non-proprietary system would incur substantial costs, schedule delays, and mission risks due to the need for significant reconfiguration or replacement of existing USDA systems.

This information indicates that only vendors capable of providing services and support for LGC Genomics, LLC's proprietary equipment and software are likely to be considered for this acquisition.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Quote (RFQ) for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Manhattan, Kansas. The requirement is for the "oKtopure DNA Extraction Robot Service & Maintenance."

• Service and maintenance for the oKtopure DNA Extraction Robot.

• The service contract includes the base year and four option years.

• Product/Service Code: H249 (EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS TESTING- MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SHOP EQUIPMENT).

• Period of Performance: Base Year 05.01.2026 - 04.30.2027. Option Years extend through 04.30.2031.

• The contract is a "Premier Service Contract."

• Offer Due Date: 04/16/2026 at 12:00 PM ET.

• Invoicing Instructions: Submit invoices through the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at https://www.ipp.gov.

• Not specified in the provided document pages.

• The solicitation number is 232SA2600446.

• Government Points of Contact: Technical Point of Contact is TBD. Contractual Point of Contact is Marian Dyson (Marian.Dyson@usda.gov or 301-504-1700).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for a Premier Service Contract for an oKtopure High Throughput DNA Extraction Robot (S/N 09-00241) for the USDA/Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area Winter heat Genetics Research Unit. The contract aims to sustain the operational capacity of the DNA extraction robot through technical support, software maintenance, and preventative maintenance.

• Remote Technical Support: 2-hour response time, Monday-Friday, 7 am – 7 pm via phone, email, or customer portal.

• On-site Repair: Coverage including travel, labor, and parts.

• On-site Annual Preventative Maintenance: One service visit per year.

• Software Support: Including operating software version updates.

• Operator Training: Unlimited training provided during on-site repair or preventative maintenance visits.

• Period of Performance: Base year (05.01.2026 - 04.30.2027) with four one-year option periods (through 04.30.2031).

• Place of Performance: 4303 Throckmorton Plant Science Center, 1712 Claflin Road, Manhattan, KS. Contractor does not require routine physical access to a Federally controlled facility or system.

• Submission: A combined technical and price volume, limited to 10 pages. Offers must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria. Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability and Past Performance. If unacceptable, the next lowest priced offer will be evaluated.

  • Technical Acceptability: Assesses the offeror's ability to provide a sound and compliant approach, demonstrating a thorough understanding of requirements. A detailed explanation of how requirements will be met is required.
  • Price: Must be fair and reasonable, with pricing for all CLINs (base and option years) required.
  • Past Performance: Evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable, based on prior contract performance with USDA and other government sources (e.g., CPARS).

• Key Deadlines: Questions due by Monday, April 13, 2026, 12:00 PM EST.

• Not specified in the provided text, but standard FAR clauses apply.

• This document incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions by reference. Bidders should review these carefully.

• The contract includes options for extension up to five years (FAR 52.217-9).

• Specific AGAR clauses related to Anti-Discrimination and DEI Compliance (452.203-71) and Personal Identity Verification (452.204-71) are included.