Soxhlet Extractor System

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is for market research purposes only and is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP). The USDA is seeking information to determine if there is a sufficient number of qualified Small Businesses (including small disadvantaged, woman-owned, Hub Zone, and serviced-disabled veteran-owned small businesses) capable of providing a Soxhlet Extractor System. The contemplated solicitation will be issued in accordance with FAR Part 12.

• Item: One (1) complete Soxhlet extraction system.

• Specifications: Must meet or exceed minimum requirements including:

  • Extraction Method: Classical Soxhlet solvent extraction
  • Capacity: Minimum of 6 extraction positions
  • Time Frame: Extraction cycle within 45-60 minutes
  • Solvent Recover Rate: At or above 80%
  • Materials: Borosilicate glass or chemically resistant materials
  • Heating System: Integrated or compatible external heating source
  • Condensation: Efficient condenser for continuous solvent reflux
  • Compatibility: Suitable for common solvents (e.g., hexane, petroleum ether, ethanol)
  • Electrical Requirements: Compatible with standard U.S. laboratory power supply (120 V, 60 Hz)
  • Integration: Must be compatible with Syntech IDAC data acquisition systems.

• Inclusions: All required glassware, accessories, user manual, operating instructions, manufacturer warranty documentation, packing list, and certificate of conformity (if available).

• Format: Electronic files in Microsoft Office Word or PDF format (UNCLASSIFIED material).

• Content:

  • Synopsis of company capabilities (limit 5 pages).
  • UEI Number.
  • Company Name and Address.
  • Business size (validated via SAM.gov).
  • Points of contact (phone, email).
  • Past work experience with similar scope/size (including agency, business name, contract number, amount, and type).

• Proprietary Information: Must be marked as such.

• The USDA is exploring the possibility of setting aside this purchase order for Small Businesses.

• NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 employees).

• Interested firms must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Response Due Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2026, at 3:00 pm Central Standard Time.

• Response Submission: Email to shane.pope@usda.gov.

• The Government reserves the right to reject any or all input.

• No contract will be awarded from this notice.

• Costs associated with preparing a response are not reimbursable.

• The contemplated solicitation will be evaluated based on lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) process in accordance with FAR PART 12.

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

To define the requirements for procuring a Soxhlet extraction system for laboratory analysis of lipid and extractable components in agricultural and food research samples. The system will be used for routine and validated analytical procedures requiring reproducible solvent extraction.

The contractor/vendor shall provide a complete Soxhlet extractor system, including all necessary components for immediate operation. The system must be suitable for laboratory use and compatible with standard analytical solvents.

The Soxhlet extraction system must meet or exceed the following specifications:

• Extraction Method: Classical Soxhlet solvent extraction
• Capacity: Minimum of 6 extraction positions
• Time Frame: Capable of performing an extraction cycle within 45-60 minutes
• Solvent Recover Rate: At or above 80%
• Materials: Borosilicate glass or chemically resistant materials suitable for organic solvents
• Heating System: Integrated heating mantle or compatible external heating source
• Condensation: Efficient condenser(s) capable of continuous solvent reflux
• Compatibility: Suitable for common solvents (e.g., hexane, petroleum ether, ethanol)
• Electrical Requirements: Compatible with standard U.S. laboratory power supply (120 V, 60 Hz)

The vendor shall deliver:

• One (1) complete Soxhlet extraction system
• All required glassware and accessories for operation
• User manual and operating instructions
• Manufacturer warranty documentation
• Packing list and certificate of conformity (if available)