# SAM #127EAU26Q0080

USDA ARS Automated DNA Analysis System Solicitation (LightBench Discover or Equivalent)

**Buyer:** USFS CSA Southwest Region
**Posted:** September 17, 2026
**Respond By:** September 22, 2026
**Identifier:** 127EAU26Q0080
**NAICS:** 334516, 541715, 541714

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Forest Service CSA Southwest 4 are seeking quotations for an Automated DNA Analysis and Size Selection Pulsed-Field Electrophoresis System for delivery to Hilo, HI.
- Government Buyer:
  - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
    - Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
    - Forest Service CSA Southwest 4
    - PWA Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin
- OEMs and Vendors:
  - LightBench Discover (manufactured by Sage Science)
  - Equivalent systems from other OEMs are acceptable
- Products/Services Requested:
  - Automated DNA Analysis and Size Selection Pulsed-Field Electrophoresis System (LightBench Discover or equivalent)
    - Part number CG-12500-05 (LightBench Discover Instrument)
    - Install Kit, LightBench Discover (CG-11978-01)
    - Installation and Customer Training (CG-14216-01)
    - System must include hardware, software, installation, setup, calibration, and customer training
    - Must support automated gel-based DNA size selection, pulsed-field electrophoresis, fragment-length analysis up to 80 kb (or 100 kb), DNA quantification, and compatibility with next-generation sequencing workflows
- Unique/Notable Requirements:
  - Delivery required within 30 days of award
  - Total Small Business Set-Aside (including women-owned and economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses)
  - Only one firm-fixed-price award will be made
  - Equivalent products must meet or exceed salient characteristics
  - Installation, setup, calibration, and customer training are mandatory
  - Compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws
- Quantities:
  - 1 LightBench Discover Instrument (CG-12500-05)
  - 1 Install Kit (CG-11978-01)
  - 1 Installation and Customer Training (CG-14216-01)
  - 1 Automated DNA Analysis System (if equivalent)
- Highlighted OEM:
  - Sage Science (LightBench Discover)
- Period of Performance:
  - One-year firm-fixed-price purchase order
  - Delivery within 30 days of award
  - Contract period from October 1 to December 1 (duration: 2 months)
- Estimated Contract Value:
  - Likely range: $80,000 - $150,000 (based on similar systems and services)
- Competing Products:
  - Sage Science PippinHT, BluePippin, Agilent TapeStation, Bio-Rad CHEF Mapper, Thermo Fisher E-Gel System

### Description

<p>This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. This announcement constitutes the solicitation; quotations are being requested under Solicitation No. 127EAU26Q0080.</p>

<p>The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking an Automated DNA Analysis and Size Selection Pulsed-Field Electrophoresis System, LightBench Discover or equivalent, including the required installation kit, installation, setup, calibration, and customer training. The proposed system must meet or exceed the minimum salient characteristics identified in the attached Specifications Sheet, including automated gel-based DNA size selection, recovery of selected DNA, pulsed-field electrophoresis capability, fragment-length analysis of at least 80 kb, DNA quantification, and compatibility with next-generation sequencing workflows.</p>

<p>This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS 334516..</p>

<p>The Government intends to make one firm-fixed-price award. Contractors must submit pricing for all line items. Exact products or verified same/similar equivalent products will be considered.</p>

<p>Submit quotations and any questions regarding this solicitation by email to&nbsp;veronica.beck@usda.gov. Please reference Solicitation No. 127EAU26Q0080 in the subject line.</p>

[View original listing](https://sam.gov/opp/344cf69f2a3d40a597e30a74e4e9bfaa/view)