Oxygen Permeation and Water Vapor Permeation 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 USDA, Agriculture Research Service (ARS) has issued a Presolicitation Notice for an Oxygen Permeation and Water Vapor Permeation Analyzer or a functionally equivalent single-cell system. This notice is for market research purposes and is not a Request for Quotes. The anticipated award date is June 2026, with the contract awarded based on the lowest price technically acceptable. Responses are due by May 21, 2026, at 3:00 pm MDT.
Scope of Work / Key Requirements
The requirement is for a combined Oxygen Permeation (OX-TRAN 2/22 H) and Water Vapor Permeation Analyzer (AQUATRAN 3/34 H) or an equivalent system for the Fort Pierce, FL facility. Key specifications include:
- Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) Testing: Detection range 0.05 to 200 cc/(m2.day), repeatability 0.02 cc/(m2.day) or 1%, utilizing a coulometric sensor (e.g., COULOX) compliant with ASTM D3985 and other international standards. Includes a starter kit and specialized regulators.
- Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) Testing: Detection range 0.05 to 100 g/(m2.day), repeatability 0.05 g/(m2·day) or 2%, utilizing modulated infrared (IR) technology compliant with ASTM F1249 and other international standards. Includes a starter kit and a precision regulator set.
- Common System Requirements: Accessories for film and pouch analysis, temperature control (20-40°C ±0.2°C), RH control (OTR: 0%, 30-90% ±3%; WVTR: 100%, 50-90% ±3%), automated software compatible with Windows 10, four precision regulators, and NIST-traceable certification.
- Warranty: 12 months full warranty, with an exclusive 4-year prorated warranty on COULOX and modulated IR sensors.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Presolicitation (not an RFQ)
- Anticipated Award: June 2026
- Response Due: May 21, 2026, 3:00 pm MDT
- Published: May 6, 2026
- Place of Performance: Fort Pierce, FL 34945
Submission & Evaluation
This is a pre-solicitation notice; no contract will be awarded based on responses. Interested contractors should email responses to frank.palmer@usda.gov. Submissions must include a synopsis of capabilities (limited to 5 pages), UEI Number, Company Name, Address, Business size (validated via SAM), points of contact, and past work experience. Electronic files must be in Microsoft Office Word or PDF format and be UNCLASSIFIED. The eventual contract will be awarded based on the lowest price technically acceptable.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted
- NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 employees)
- SAM.gov: Vendors must be active and registered.
Additional Notes
The Government reserves the right to reject any input and will not pay costs associated with preparing or submitting a response. Submitted data will not be returned.