Photobioreactor Maintenance Services

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for Photobioreactor Maintenance Services. It constitutes the only solicitation, and no separate written solicitation will be issued. The requirement is for commercial items prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12.

• The core requirement is for Photobioreactor Maintenance, as detailed in the attached Statement of Work (Attachment 2).

• Vendors must be active and registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

• Applicable North American Industry Classification Standard Code is 811210, with a small business size standard of $34.0 million.

• This acquisition is an unrestricted requirement.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-fixed price.

• Period of Performance: One (1) one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods, for a total duration not to exceed five (5) years and six (6) months.

• The Government intends to make one award.

• Quotes are due no later than 9:00 am Mountain Time on Monday, February 9, 2026.

• Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to frank.palmer@usda.gov.

• The final day for question submission is 9:00 am Mountain Time on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

• Award will be made on a Best Value basis, considering price and other factors.

• Evaluation Factors:

  • Factor 1: Technical Capabilities (Knowledge and Skill, detailed description of how to meet SOW requirements).
  • Factor 2: Past Performance (List of at least two similar projects completed within the last two years, with specific details).
  • Factor 3: Price (Quoters must indicate a price for each line item, including base year and option years).

• The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, is not applicable. Evaluation will be in accordance with FAR 12.203.

• This is an unrestricted requirement. All responsible sources may submit a quotation.

• The full text of incorporated provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

• Vendors must enroll in the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at www.ipp.gov for payment.

• The document also outlines procedures for agency protests through the USDA Ombudsman Program.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide annual maintenance, service, and support for three USDA-owned Industrial Plankton Brand Plankton Algae Photobioreactors and two shared head tanks.

• Perform routine maintenance, emergency repair, and enhancements to ensure full system performance.

• Provide unlimited emergency visits during regular business hours (excluding federal holidays).

• Conduct scheduled preventative maintenance visits.

• Offer online technical support and telephone assistance.

• Repair/replace all necessary parts (excluding consumables), labor, travel, and per diem.

• All maintenance and repair activities must adhere to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications.

• Services must be performed by OEM-trained technicians with access to current OEM factory training and parts.

• No salvaged parts are permitted.

• Preventative maintenance must be performed at least annually per instrument.

• Repairs must be rendered on-site unless otherwise agreed.

• If off-site repair is necessary, the contractor is responsible for all shipping and transportation costs and liability.

• The period of performance is 12 months, with four 1-year option periods.

• The location of the equipment is the USDA's Pacific Shellfish Research Unit in Newport, OR.

• Service must be provided by an authorized dealer, distributor, or reseller.

• Contractor must provide necessary personnel for on-site preventative maintenance and repair.

• Consumable items are not covered under the maintenance contract, but the contractor's quote must identify them.

• Inspection reports and testing results must be submitted to the Contracting Officer's Representative.