SAM #1232SA26Q0583-B

USDA ARS Procurement of Automated Liquid Handling System and Multimodal Microscope Slide Scanner

This opportunity is for the procurement of advanced laboratory automation and imaging equipment for the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS). - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Acquisition and Property Division (APD), and Responsive Agricultural Food Systems Research Unit (RAFSRU) - Products Requested: - Automated Liquid Handling System - Quantity: 1 - Must meet detailed technical specifications (see Attachment 2) - Multimodal Microscope Slide Scanner with Integrated Analysis Software and Computer - Quantity: 1 - Must support both brightfield and fluorescent imaging - Must meet or exceed Aperio FL120 Scanner specifications - Features: automated scanning, 3D specimen representation, 120-slide autoloader, 20X/40X APO objectives (with capacity for 40X/63X oil objectives), LED light source for multiple fluorescent channels, seamless software control, system weight under 120 kg - Services Requested: - Installation of slide scanner, computer, and software - On-site training immediately after installation - One year of phone and virtual support for troubleshooting and data output - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Vendors must provide firm fixed price quotes and technical documentation demonstrating ability to meet or exceed all salient characteristics - Place of manufacture and inclusive pricing required - Award will be made to the lowest price technically acceptable vendor - Delivery required within 60 days of award for both systems - Small business set-aside, including specific categories (EDWOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone) - Training and support services are integral to the procurement - OEMs: - No specific OEMs are named, but the slide scanner must meet or exceed Aperio FL120 Scanner specifications, indicating Leica Biosystems as a reference point

Description

Statement of Requirement

See Attachment 2 – Specifications.

Schedule of Items

See Attachment 1 – SF-1449.

Vendors who have the expertise and required capabilities to provide these items are invited to submit quotes in accordance with the requirements stipulated in this solicitation. 

Technical Data -

Technical data and supporting documentation associated with this solicitation are available through the following sources:

Solicitation Attachments The following documents are included as attachments to this solicitation and can be accessed via the “Attachments/Links” section of the posting. Attachment 2 – Specifications

Solicitation Information

Award Type

It is anticipated that a firm-fixed price contract will be awarded as a result of this synopsis/solicitation. 

The Government intends to make one award from this solicitation.  Therefore, to be considered responsive, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

Evaluation and Basis for Award

The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services

is not applicable to this solicitation.  In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. 

Technical Approach:

The technical approach will evaluate the ability of the vendor to provide a sound and compliant approach that meets all requirements and shows a thorough understanding of them.  It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure their quotation clearly demonstrates their capability to meet these requirements.  All vendors must provide the following minimum information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated:

Ability of the vendor to meet or exceed the salient characteristics listed in the Specifications.

Price:

The offeror shall provide pricing as requested in this Request for Quote.  Failure to propose pricing for all individual line items may result in a quotation being excluded from further consideration.  The vendor’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

Past Performance:

The Government may utilize any references provided by the Contractor, along with information available from past contracts/orders with the USDA and any information found using sources such as Federal Government sources or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine if the Contractor has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness, cost control, business relations, and adherence to contract terms. 

Neutral: Offeror does not have a past performance record.

Unacceptable: The contractor has a documented history of failing to meet contract requirements, including poor quality, missed deadlines, cost overruns, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.

Evaluation Method:

Award will be made to the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable vendor that can meet or exceed all salient characteristics in the Specifications and who submits all required information and documentation requested in the solicitation.

Only the lowest priced quote will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability. Should the lowest priced

quote not receive an acceptable technical or past performance rating, the process will continue in

order of lowest priced quote until the lowest price, technically acceptable quote with acceptable or

neutral past performance is identified.

In order to be considered for award OFFERORS SHALL SUBMIT ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

Submit Firm Fixed Price quotation (quote on company letterhead) detailing the item(s), description, price, PLACE of MANUFACTURE, and inclusive of ALL costs including, but not limited to shipping, and valid for at least 60 days after receipt of quote.

Submit attached SF-1449 with blocks 17a, 30a, 30b, 30c, and individual Contract Line Items priced in full.

Submit Sam.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI) with quotation. 

Submit Capability Statement and/or technical documentation/brochures showing technical capability to meet or exceed ALL salient characteristics in the Specifications.

REJECTION OF QUOTATION: Failure to demonstrate compliance or to submit ALL items requested in solicitation prior to due date will be cause to reject the quote without further discussions.

DISCUSSIONS: The Government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct discussions should it be deemed in the Government's best interest.

 Quotes are due on 7/2/2026 at 9:00 AM PT by email to Elizabeth Calhoun at Elizabeth.Calhoun@usda.gov. You must include the solicitation Title Name and Number as the subject line of the email.

Questions-All questions must go to Elizabeth Calhoun, whom may be reached at Elizabeth.Calhoun@usda.gov for specific questions regarding this combined solicitation. You must include the solicitation name AND number as the subject line of the email. Questions by interested parties regarding the requirement must be submitted by 6/29/2026 by 2:00 PM PT.

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