Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation (Solicitation Number: 140G012600089) for commercial products and services. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is procuring various laboratory equipment, supplies, and related services.

The solicitation lists specific items including:

• Thermal Analysis System

• Cooling System Mini chiller

• Dryer Gas

• Software Package (IT and Telecom Business Application Software)

• Various Crucible types (e.g., 70 uL, 300 uL, 900 UL)

• Initial User Training

• EQPac Comprehensive Qualification

• Shipping and Handling

• The solicitation is issued by the USGS OAG Reston Acquisition Branch.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 334516, with a size standard of 1,000 employees.

• Delivery is specified as "60 Days After Receipt Of Order" to the U.S. Geological Survey in Reston, VA.

• FOB Destination.

• Offer Due Date: 04/15/2026 at 0900 Eastern Daylight Time.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-4 by reference, with addenda.

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Compliance and Price. The lowest priced quotation with an "acceptable" rating in Technical Compliance will be awarded.

• Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers.

• The acquisition is marked as "UNRESTRICTED".

• For further questions, contact Rafael Anderson at rlanderson@usgs.gov.

• Payment will be made via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Salient Characteristics" for a Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) system. It details the essential technical specifications and features required for the TGA, serving as a basis for procurement or evaluation of potential systems.

System Requirements:

• Stand-alone, fully integrated TGA with software.
• Gas controller supporting multiple input gases.
• Robotic autosampler for high throughput.
• Expansion options for peripheral gas analysis devices.
• Compact dimensions: <= 21” W, 25” D, 25” H.
• Weight: <= 100 lbs (44kg).
• Factory set power supply: 115V or 230V compatible.
• Annual service plan option available.

Gas Controller and Gas Type:

• Built-in controller, 1-3 bar pressure.
• Tunable via instrument software.
• Approved gases: air, argon, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, helium.
• Flow rate tolerance: ±3ml/min.

Water Bath Cooling System:

• Required for furnace and microbalance cooling.

Furnace:

• Minimum diameter: 20mm (0.75”).
• Minimum volume: 45 mL.
• Cooling jacket.
• Built-in sensor with cell thermocouple.
• Temperature range: at least 1100°C.
• Temperature precision: ±0.5°C (K).
• Maximum heating rate: at least 250°C/min.
• Cooling time: <25 mins.

Balance:

• Built-in microbalance, mass limit 1 gram.
• Measurement precision: ±1 mg.
• Temperature controlled via water circulator.
• Purgeable with non-reactive gas.

Sampling Robot:

• Automates sample carousel loading and unloading.
• Accommodates multiple crucible sizes.
• Includes lid piercing kit.

Software:

• Network connectivity.
• Automated raw data backups.

Supported Peripheral Devices:

• Expandable to support Mass Spectrometer (TGA-MS), Fourier Transform Infrared Detector (TGA-FTIR), and Fourier Transform Infrared Mass Spectrometer (TGA-FTIR/MS).

Potential bidders must ensure their proposed TGA system meets or exceeds all listed salient characteristics. This document defines the minimum acceptable technical specifications for the TGA system being procured.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, FAR 52.212-5, outlines the Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders for Commercial Products and Commercial Services. It is a standard clause that is incorporated by reference into contracts.

The document lists numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses that a contractor must comply with. These clauses cover a wide range of requirements, including:

• Statutory and Executive Order Compliance: Clauses related to various laws and executive orders, such as those concerning confidentiality agreements, prohibitions on certain hardware/software (e.g., Kaspersky, ByteDance), telecommunications and video surveillance, and contracting with inverted domestic corporations.
• Financial and Payment Terms: Provisions for accelerated payments to small business subcontractors and payment by electronic funds transfer.
• Protests and Disputes: Clauses addressing protests after award and applicable law for breach of contract claims.
• Small Business Programs: Numerous clauses related to small business set-asides, HUBZone concerns, and subcontracting plans.
• Labor and Employment: Clauses concerning convict labor, child labor, equal opportunity, whistleblower rights, combating trafficking in persons, and paid sick leave.
• Environmental and Sustainability: Clauses related to ozone-depleting substances, sustainable products, and waste reduction.
• Supply Chain Security: Provisions related to Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders.
• Buy American Act and Trade Agreements: Clauses pertaining to domestic preference and trade agreements.
• Comptroller General Examination of Record: Outlines the government's right to examine contractor records.

Bidders should review this document to understand the mandatory legal and regulatory requirements that will be incorporated into any resulting contract. This includes understanding compliance obligations related to small business participation, labor laws, ethical conduct, supply chain security, and domestic preference policies. The specific clauses checked (indicated by '[X]') highlight those that are actively incorporated into the contract, providing critical information for proposal development and contract performance.