QIAxcel Connect System

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

To provide support for the identification of insect specimens intercepted as part of domestic and Agriculture Quarantine Inspection (AQI) programs at ports of entry and emergency program activities. The QIAxcel Connect System is intended to replace traditional, labor-intensive gel analysis of DNA with a fully automated, high-throughput system to reduce working time, minimize human error, and improve results quality.

The document specifies the required items for the QIAxcel Connect System, including:

• QIAxcel Connect SYS-DFUL-1
• QIAxcel DNA Screening Kit (2400)
• QX Alignment Marker 15 bp/5 kb (1.5 ml)
• QX Size Marker 100 bp - 2.5 kb (50 µl)
• QX Nitrogen Cylinder (6)
• QIAsphere Package B for QIAxcel

Ship to address: USDA, APHIS, PPQ Attn: Aaron Kennedy 301-313-9393 10300 Baltimore Ave Building 010A, Rm 219, BARC-West Beltsville, MD 20705

All listed items are required in a quantity of one, except for the QX Nitrogen Cylinder (6).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of the QIAxcel Connect System, including associated kits, markers, and a nitrogen cylinder. The system is intended for the USDA, APHIS, PPQ to support identifications of insect specimens intercepted at ports of entry and for emergency program activities. It aims to replace traditional gel analysis of DNA with an automated, high-throughput system to reduce working time, human error, and improve result quality.

• QIAxcel Connect System (SYS-DFUL-1, pn 9003111)

• QIAxcel DNA Screening Kit (2400, pn 929004)

• QX Alignment Marker 15 bp/5 kb (1.5 ml, pn 929524)

• QX Size Marker 100 bp - 2.5 kb (50 µl, pn 929705)

• QX Nitrogen Cylinder (6, pn 929705)

• QIAsphere Package B for QIAxcel (pn 9003206)

• Freight Charges

• Award Type: Firm-fixed price.

• Contract Type: One award is anticipated.

• Period of Performance: Delivery is required within 60 days after award. Early deliveries will be accepted.

• Submission Instructions: Offerors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive. Quotations offering alternate, substitute, or "equal" products will be deemed technically unacceptable unless they meet specific criteria and are clearly identified.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government. Evaluation will be based on Technical Acceptability and Price.

  • Technical Acceptability: Evaluated on the ability to provide new manufactured commercial items from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or an OEM-approved source. The exact brand name, make, and model number must be specified, along with sufficient documentation. Alternate or "equal" products will not be considered.
  • Price: Quotes will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

• Key Deadlines:

  • Offer Due Date: June 19, 2026, 1700 ET.
  • Questions Due: June 15, 2026, 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
  • Offer Acceptance Period: Prices must be held firm for 90 calendar days from the offer due date.

• This acquisition is UNRESTRICTED.

• Qualification Requirements: Offerors, or the product or service, ARE required to meet a qualification requirement to be eligible for award.

• The solicitation incorporates numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses and provisions by reference. Key clauses include those related to commercial items, terms and conditions, whistleblower rights, combating trafficking in persons, and various certifications.

• Brand name or equal items are specified, and offerors must meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics.

• Shipping Instructions: Items shall be shipped to USDA, APHIS, PPQ, Attn: Aaron Kennedy, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Building 010A, Rm 219, BARC-West, Beltsville, MD 20705.

• Protest Procedures: Information on filing agency protests is provided, outlining Tier 1 (Contracting Officer Concern Resolution) and Tier 2 (Agency Protest) processes.