Transmission Electron Microscope Repair - RFQ
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 USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is soliciting quotes for Transmission Electron Microscope Repair at its Albany, CA facility. This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ), issued as a combined synopsis/solicitation, with the intent to award a single firm-fixed-price contract. The acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotes are due by March 12, 2026.
Scope of Work
The primary requirement is the repair of an FEI Tecnai 12 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), SN D328. Key tasks include replacing the CCD DAB board and LaB6 filament, ensuring communication between the computer and TEM, and performing preventative maintenance (e.g., oil changes, column cleaning, beam alignment, aperture servicing, camera function check). Additional work involves ensuring vacuum reliability, repositioning the water rack for access, and replacing TEM covers. A 30-day phone consultation post-completion is also required.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
- Award Type: Single award anticipated
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 811210 (Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance)
- Small Business Size Standard: $34 Million
- Period of Performance: Work to be completed within 90 days of award acceptance, preceded by 30 days of phone consultation.
- Place of Performance: USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center (WRRC), 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, ROOM 0105.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Method: Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to the Contracting Officer/Contract Specialist/Purchasing Agent in Adobe PDF format.
- Required Documents:
- Completed "Attachment 4 - Quote Submission Form" (including company info, socio-economic status, line-item pricing, and delivery time).
- Acknowledgement of any solicitation amendments.
- Proof of active registration at SAM.gov.
- Supporting documentation demonstrating how quoted products/services meet or exceed minimum salient characteristics.
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method, considering:
- Price: Total price (sum of all line items) must be fair and reasonable. Quantity and prompt payment discounts should be included.
- Technical Acceptability: Offeror's ability to provide a sound and compliant approach, rated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable."
- Past Performance: Evaluated as "Acceptable," "Neutral," or "Unacceptable."
- Quote Acceptance Period: Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the receipt date.
Key Dates
- Questions Due: No later than 72 hours prior to the quote due date.
- Quotes Due: March 12, 2026, 04:59 PM PST.
Additional Notes
The Service Contract Labor Standards Wage Determination Number 2015-5623 for Alameda, CA, is applicable. Numerous FAR and AGAR clauses are incorporated by reference. Invoices will be processed via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).