TubeWriter 400
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), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is soliciting quotations for the procurement of three (3) TubeWriter 400 units under an unrestricted Request for Quotation (RFQ). This acquisition includes installation, a one-year ink subscription, a platinum service plan, and requires the trade-in of one Tubewriter 360 unit. Award will be a Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order. Offers are due by April 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT.
Scope of Work
This opportunity requires the provision of three TubeWriter 400 units, complete with professional installation, a one-year ink subscription, and a platinum service plan. Key technical specifications for the TubeWriter 400 include a print speed of 1000-2500 tubes/hour, waterproof and alcohol-resistant ink durable in -80°C and liquid nitrogen, capability to write on caps, sides, glass, and plastic, alphanumeric printing, and the ability to print logos, warning symbols, and manufacturing marks. The device must support 2-5 lines with a maximum of 50 characters per line, have a benchtop footprint, and an Excel interface. One unit also requires a Barcoding Firmware and Software Upgrade. The solicitation mandates the trade-in of one Tubewriter 360 unit. All deliverables are F.O.B. Destination to Ames, IA.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted.
- NAICS Code: 334118 (Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing) with a 1,000-employee size standard.
- Place of Performance: Ames, IA.
- Period of Performance: Delivery is required within 60 days of award, with early deliveries accepted.
Submission & Evaluation
- Offer Due Date: April 17, 2026, 5:00 p.m. CT.
- Questions Due: April 15, 2026, 3:00 p.m. CT. Questions must be submitted via email to Kathleen.Melby@usda.gov.
- Offer Acceptance: Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer due date.
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on a comprehensive assessment of:
- Technical Approach: Evaluates the soundness, compliance, and ability to meet schedule requirements.
- Price: Assessed for fairness and reasonableness; pricing for all individual line items is mandatory.
- Past Performance: Evaluated as acceptable or neutral.
- Technical Acceptability: Only new manufactured commercial items from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or an OEM-approved source will be considered. Brand name, make, and model must precisely match the solicitation; alternate, substitute, or "equal" products will not be accepted.