Vibratome Instrument

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the specifications for a vibratome required for the opportunity. It details the salient characteristics, capacity, utilities, and performance requirements for the equipment.

• Salient Characteristics: Must cut unfixed, live tissues with minimal distortion, no tearing, and minimized mechanical artifacts. Must fit within a standard biosafety cabinet (max 20 inches).
• Capacity: Accommodate tissues up to 2cm in diameter and 2cm in length, with a fully stabilized sample platform.
• Utilities: Requires a 110V AC power connection.
• Performance: Must include automated sectioning, blade oscillation of at least 1mm, adjustable blade advance speed up to 4mm/s, minimal near 0 z-axis deflection, adjustable thickness from less than 10um to 750um, and be easily decontaminated.

This attachment provides critical technical specifications for the vibratome. Bidders must ensure their proposed equipment meets all listed requirements to be considered compliant with the solicitation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for the purchase of a Vibratome Instrument, intended for cutting live tissue under aseptic conditions. The government intends to make one award for this requirement.

• Purchase of a Vibratome Instrument.

• The instrument must meet the specifications detailed in Attachment 2.

• Delivery is required no later than 60 days after award; early deliveries are accepted.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm Fixed Price Requirements Contract.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but delivery is within 60 days of award.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Offerors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive.

• Evaluation will be based on Price and Technical Acceptability/Capability.

• Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

• Technical Acceptability/Capability requires the quoted product to meet or exceed specifications, include sufficient descriptive literature, and be available for delivery within the specified timeframe. Failure to meet these will result in technical unacceptability.

• Past Performance will also be evaluated as acceptable, neutral, or unacceptable.

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

• Offers must be held firm for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

• No specific qualification requirements are stated for eligibility.

• Various clauses related to small business concerns, HUBZone, and other set-asides are listed as potentially applicable if checked.

• Questions are due no later than Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Time.

• Questions should be emailed to melissa.santos@usda.gov.

• F.O.B. destination is requested for all deliverables.

• Items shall be shipped to USDA, ARS, 934 College Station Rd., Athens, GA 30605.

• Numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference and may be accessed electronically or upon request.