Tensiometer
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is soliciting quotations for a Tensiometer and accessories for its Bio-Oils Research Unit in Peoria, IL. This is a firm-fixed price requirements contract issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Offers are due by February 2, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The procurement is for one (1) bench-top Tensiometer and associated accessories, including delivery, installation, calibration, training, and a minimum one-year warranty. The equipment must be capable of measuring surface and interfacial tensions, adhesion, and density of solids at ambient and elevated temperatures, with automatic Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) determination. Key technical requirements include a force measurement range of ≤0.2 µN to ≥1500 N, temperature control (25-90 °C or wider), a moving stage, and controlling software. All items must be delivered to USDA-ARS, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604, within 120 days after award.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Requirements Contract (Combined Synopsis/Solicitation - RFQ).
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies) with a 1,000-employee size standard.
- Place of Performance/Delivery: Peoria, IL.
- Applicable Clauses: Incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses by reference, including FAR 52.225-3 Buy American–Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act.
Submission & Evaluation
- Evaluation Method: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability and Past Performance initially.
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be based on best value considering Price, Technical Acceptability (meeting salient characteristics, providing descriptive literature, and delivery within 120 days), and Past Performance.
- Offer Acceptance: Prices must remain firm for 90 calendar days from the offer due date.
- Questions Due: January 28, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time, submitted via email to amber.sampson@usda.gov.
- Response Due: February 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM UTC (2:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM CT).
Contact Information
Primary Point of Contact: Amber Sampson (amber.sampson@usda.gov, 970-851-3730).