XenoWorks Digital Microinjector System

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of one (1) XenoWorks Digital Microinjector System. The government intends to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract to Sutter Instruments Company. This acquisition is intended to continue providing critical resources and expertise for the specified requirement.

• One (1) XenoWorks Digital Microinjector System.

• The system must meet or exceed all salient characteristics specified in the "Specifications" attachment.

• Descriptive literature (product specifications, datasheets, brochures) must be provided to demonstrate compliance.

• Delivery is required by May 1, 2026; early deliveries are accepted.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price.

• Award Type: Sole Source (anticipated).

• Submission Deadline: Monday, March 23, 2026, not later than 3:00 p.m. Central Time.

• Submission Method: Email only to monte.jordan@usda.gov, referencing Solicitation Number 1232SA26Q0263.

• Questions Deadline: March 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Central Time via email to monte.jordan@usda.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on the following criteria:

  • Price: Must be fair and reasonable. Quantity price discounts and prompt payment discounts should be included.
  • Technical Acceptability: Offeror must demonstrate a sound and compliant approach meeting all requirements and salient characteristics. Failure to provide adequate documentation or meet requirements will result in technical unacceptability.
  • Past Performance: Government will evaluate past performance using provided references, USDA contracts, and CPARS. Ratings can be Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable.

• Evaluation Method: Lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA). Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for technical acceptability. If unacceptable, the next lowest priced offer will be evaluated, and so on.

• Offer Acceptance Period: Offerors must hold prices firm for 60 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• Offerors are not required to meet a qualification requirement to be eligible for award.

• The document lists numerous FAR clauses related to small business concerns, HUBZone, and utilization of small businesses, suggesting potential applicability depending on the offeror.

• This document incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions by reference, including those related to commercial products/services, contractor employee rights, combating trafficking in persons, service contract labor standards, and specific USDA requirements like anti-discrimination and DEI compliance.

• A "Specifications" attachment is referenced but not provided in this text.

• The document includes detailed instructions for filing agency protests with the USDA Ombudsman Program.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 3, a Quotation Pricing Sheet for Solicitation Number 1232SA26Q0263. It is used by offerors to provide pricing for the required goods and services.

• Requirement: XenoWorks Digital Microinjector System
• Period of Performance (POP): 03/25/2026 - 05/01/2026
• Contracting Office: USDA, ARS, Contracting Operations Branch/Acquisition and Property Division
• Quotation Due Date: No later than 03:00 pm CDT on March 23, 2026
• CLIN 0001: XenoWorks Digital Microinjector System (Quantity: 1)
• CLIN: Delivery/Shipping Charges (Quantity: 1)
• Fields for Offeror Name, Address, UEI, CAGE Code, Business Size, Point of Contact, Phone, and Email.
• Section to acknowledge receipt of amendments.
• Statement of agreement with solicitation terms.
• Acknowledgment to hold prices firm for 60 calendar days.
• Signature block for authorized representative.

Bidders must complete and submit this pricing sheet with their quotation. It requires detailed information about the offeror and specific pricing for the XenoWorks Digital Microinjector System and associated delivery/shipping charges. The submission deadline and the requirement to hold prices firm for 60 days are critical for proposal preparation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides detailed specifications for the XenoWorks Digital Microinjector System, which is likely a component or requirement for the overall opportunity.

• Hold Function: Pressure adjustable from -350 to +350 hPa in 1 hPa increments.
• Inject Function: Modes include Continuous or Pulse. Inject Pressure ranges from 0 to 5600 hPa in 7 hPa increments. Inject Time is adjustable from 0 to 10 seconds in 0.1-second increments. Compensation Pressure is adjustable in 1 hPa increments. Clear Pressure is 6700 hPa (97 psi).
• Inject Command: Can be controlled via remote interface or foot switch.
• Transfer Function: Pressure adjustable from -175 to +175 hPa in 1 hPa increments.
• Maximum Injection Pressure: 5600 hPa (80 psi).
• Controls: Features tactile keys, rotary optical encoders, and a 3 x 7-segment LED display.
• Micropipette Holder: Compatible with 4mm rod diameter, 1 mm O.D. capillary glass (1.2 and 1.5 mm available upon request), and includes 2.4 m ETFE tubing (2 additional sets provided).
• Dimensions: Compressor module is 407 mm x 440 mm x 150 mm; User interface module is 164 mm x 123 mm x 70 mm.

Bidders should review these specifications to understand the technical requirements for the microinjector system. This information is crucial for determining if their proposed solution meets the government's needs, for preparing accurate technical proposals, and for potential cost estimations if this system is to be procured as part of the overall opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Justification and Approval Decision to Restrict Competition Under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold" for Solicitation 1162874/1232SA26Q0263. It explains the rationale for restricting competition for a specific acquisition.

• Acquisition Details: Identifies the Requisition/Solicitation Number (1162874/1232SA26Q0263), the Requesting Activity (USDA, ARS, PWA San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Science Center), and the Contracting Activity.
• Supplies/Services: Describes the need for a digital microinjector capable of performing small-volume injections to insect eggs/embryos.
• Suggested Source: Identifies Sutter Instruments Corp. as the sole suggested contractor.
• Justification for Restriction: Details the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor/product, specifically the need for an injector with two independent pressure channels (hold and inject) to manage insect embryos during microinjection. It states Sutter Instruments Corporation is the only vendor available that meets these specifications.
• Market Research: Summarizes market research conducted, indicating that the Sutter Instruments Microinjector meets or exceeds requirements with features like dual pressure channels, multiple functions (Hold, Transfer, Inject, Clear), and a built-in compressor.
• Certifications: Includes certifications from Technical/Requirements Personnel and the Contracting Officer, affirming the Government's minimum need and the accuracy of the justification for restricting competition.

This document is crucial for understanding why competition is restricted for this specific acquisition and identifies the sole source being considered. It provides details on the technical requirements for the microinjector and the market research conducted, which may be relevant for understanding the government's needs in this area.