Portable Cryostat with UV Capability – Market Research for Made In America Act Compliant Availability
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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify Made in America Act compliant vendors capable of providing a portable cryostat system with UV capability. This notice aims to determine domestic availability and may support a potential Nonavailability Determination. Responses are due by April 3, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. MT.
Scope of Work
The Government requires a bench-top, portable cryostat system designed for laboratory or field use, capable of precision histological sectioning under cold conditions. Key specifications include:
- Cryostat System: Single refrigeration system maintaining chamber temperatures of approximately –30°C. Manual microtome with a feed range of 2–12 micrometers (µm) per section. Specimen quick-freeze system capable of reaching –40°C with digital display. Programmable automatic defrost. Cutting chamber of polished stainless steel with detachable cold storage bar and shelf. Cabinet of ABS polymer and rustproof steel, PVC coated. Adjustable tilt angle (0-12 degrees). Manual handwheel operation. Must accept disposable long-life blades (Magnacut-type or equivalent) and produce high-quality sections.
- Required Accessories: Anti-roll plate, two object holders, knife cleaning brush, detachable shelf, debris tray, blade removal tool, spare fuses, low-temperature grease, Cryospray, Cryo-M-Bed embedding compound, insulated cover, and operating manual.
- Knife Holder and Blades: Magnacut knife holder (or equivalent) and ten long-life disposable blades.
- Optional Components: Ultraviolet night decontamination unit (UV lamp, power supply, night-time plug) and a Tungsten carbide-tipped knife for bone sectioning.
Information Requested from Respondents
USDA seeks responses from U.S. manufacturers and distributors of Made in America Act compliant sources. Submissions must include:
- Company information (UEI, address, business size, manufacturing location).
- Technical capability statement addressing each salient characteristic.
- Evidence that the product is manufactured in the United States.
- Technical literature, datasheets, or product documentation.
- Availability/lead time and warranty information.
- Description of any areas where specifications cannot be met, and why.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research (FAR Part 10)
- NAICS: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- PSC: 6640 – Laboratory Equipment And Supplies
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research for Made in America Act compliant sources)
- Response Due: April 3, 2026, 5:00 P.M. MT
- Published: March 20, 2026
Submission Details
Submit responses via email to samuel.lopez@usda.gov with the subject line: “Sources Sought Response – Portable Cryostat with UV Capability”. This is not a solicitation, and no award will be made from this notice.