Opportunity

SAM #1175141

USDA Sole Source Notice: Azure 300 Gel/Membrane Digital Imager and Analysis System

Buyer

USFS CCSA East 6

Posted

August 26, 2026

Respond By

September 01, 2026

Identifier

1175141

NAICS

334516

This notice announces the USDA ARS National Animal Disease Center's intent to award a sole-source contract for a gel/membrane digital imager and analysis system. - Agency: USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center (NADC), Ames, IA - Sole-source vendor: Azure Biosystems, Inc. - Product: Azure 300 Gel/Membrane Digital Imager and Analysis System (AZI300-01) - Includes color trans-white light table bundle, image analysis software, and shipping - Key technical requirements: - Space-saving footprint not exceeding 50 x 60 x 40 cm (W x H x D) - Built-in touchscreen computer with internal capture software (operates independently, no internet required) - Integrated 9.1 MP CCD sensor cooled to -50°C below ambient - Dual-wavelength UV transillumination (302nm/365nm) - Automatic image focusing - Chemiluminescence detection, RGB LEDs, safety door sensor, motorized filter wheel (6 filters preferred) - Spatial resolution of at least 50 microns - Analysis software with molecular weight analysis, densitometry, array normalization, automated band/lane detection, background subtraction - Software compatibility with PC and Mac preferred, non-proprietary file formatting, USB data export - 120V power supply, Made in America - Delivery required within 90 days of award - Only Azure Biosystems is known to meet all requirements, but other vendors may submit capability statements if they can match all specifications - Commercial opportunity for manufacturers of similar imaging systems

Description

The USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, IA, intends to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract to Azure Biosystems, Inc. (Unique Entity ID: HL4SNBDGMQG5) for the acquisition of one (1) Azure 300 Gel/Membrane Digital Imager and Analysis System (Product No. AZI300-01), along with a color trans-white light table bundle, image analysis software, and required shipping.

Statutory Authority: This acquisition is being conducted under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), soliciting from a single source for purchases not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT).

Rationale: Market research indicates that Azure Biosystems is the only known manufacturer capable of providing a digital imager that meets all agency baseline specifications—specifically a space-saving footprint not exceeding 50 x 60 x 40 cm (W x H x D), a built-in touchscreen computer running internal capture software (operating independently without requiring an active internet connection), an integrated 9.1 MP CCD sensor cooled to -50°C below ambient, dual-wavelength UV transillumination (302nm/365nm), and automatic image focusing. Alternate systems identified do not fit the established lab footprint constraint or possess inferior camera capabilities.

Responses: This notice is not a request for competitive proposals or quotations. However, responsible sources who believe they can fully provide an equivalent system meeting all exact dimensions and technical thresholds may submit a written capability statement. Capability statements must be received by the closing date of this notice and sent via email to Michael J. Wheelock at Michael.Wheelock@usda.gov. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based upon responses is solely within the discretion of the Government.

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