This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation number 12561520Q0061 is issued as a request for quote (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2020-08. The associated NAICS code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees and the PSC code is 6630. The Department of Agriculture (ARS) has the need for the following products: 001) Automated Discrete Analyzer (Electrochemical Module Analyzer) Scope of Work Malt Quality Lab in the Cereal Crops Research Unit of the USDA Dairy Forage Research Center (US DFRC) is seeking quotes on an Automated Discrete Analyzer (Electrochemical Module Analyzer) Background: The Malt Quality Lab in Cereal Crops Research Unit, Madison, is the only public sector facility that evaluates the malting quality of the breeding lines developed by the barley breeders in the entire USA. The facility evaluates more than 7000 lines per year from external stakeholders and is increasing every year. Furthermore, the malting lab is also providing malt quality analysis to scientists within the unit, other USDA scientists and university collaborators. Automated analyzers will be a great asset to conduct some of the routine enzyme assays associated with malting quality. We do not currently have an automated discrete analyzer at the CCRU. The ideal automated discrete analyzer platform would allow us to improve our hands-free workflow and improve the precision and efficiency of our enzymatic assay set up and reading processes. Determination of malting quality is a complex and laborious procedure that involves multiple components, such as physical properties – color, viscosity; chemical properties – carbohydrate, protein content, free amino nitrogen; biochemical properties that entails activities of several enzymes. Among these the enzyme assays are the most time consuming and would greatly benefit from automation. These enzyme assays have to analyzed for a large number of samples (several thousands) without compromising sample identity and at the same time conducting the assays rapidly, reproducibly, and using small amounts of extracts. The Discrete Analyzer is a fully automated sample oriented random- access analyzer that contains a separate sample rack, reagent rack (which can be chilled or heated), and reaction vials. It will be employed across multiple projects and multiple labs to precisely and efficiently streamline and automate enzymatic assays associated with the malting process. We aim to utilize the Discrete Analyzer, to reduce the hands-on human resources associated with routine, yet complex and time-consuming enzymatic assay procedures. Automating the processes associated with experimental set up and performing enzymatic assays will improve consistency across projects as well as increase the time available for data analysis. The Discrete Analyzer also provides a platform for adapting other assays that have been previously conducted using plate readers, such as the ORAC assays for analyzing total antioxidant capacity, Amplex red assay for measuring reactive oxygen species and Megazyme assays. The inclusion of the electrochemical unit expands the utility of this instrument for analyzing conductivity assays that helps in rapidly screening barley lines that are tolerant to stresses. Technical Requirements: 1. Separate sample and reagent racks. 2. Sample rack with 2 x 18 position sample racks. Expandable to 9 18 position racks for a for a total capacity of 108 samples. 3. Reagent rack with 42 positions that can be chilled or heated. 4. Reaction vessel with up to 360 measurement cells. 5. Capacity to perform up to 350 test/hr. 6. Completely contained outer housing provides user and sample protection. 7. Xenon flash lamp with a filter range of 340 to 880nm. 8. Reaction incubation temperature range from 25 to 60 ºC. 9. Footprint of 37” w × 27” d × 24”/(52” with lid open) h, or less. 10. Sample transfer volumes from 2-120 μL with the ability to extend to 240 μL. 11. Reagent transfer volumes from 2-240 μL. ECM Module: Electrochemical (ECM) unit uses ion selective electrodes for pH measurement. The ECM unit also measures conductivity. Filter range: 340-880 nm Absorbance range: 0-3.5A with a resolution of 0.001A Reaction Vessels: 360 measurement cells 36 cuvettes with 10 reaction cells each Volume capacity of 120-300 μL Sample Containers: 0.5 mL, 2.0mL, and 4mL cups and sample tubes Reagent Containers: 10mL and 20mL vials Warranty: Factory Warranty. Key Deliverables: Automated Discrete Analyzer (Gallery Plus ECM with enzyme/food filter set or Equivalent) Dispensing IQ Kit 2 Day DIA Onsite Support PC Accessories (Touch, BCR, US cord, US keyboard, etc.) (2) Sample Rack 18 Startup Kit ECM Start-up kit Delivery: The instrument to be delivered to the Malt Quality Lab in the Cereal Crops Research Unit at 502 Walnut Street, Madison, WI 53726 by September 30, 2020 (09/30/2020) or as negotiated. The vendor shall provide all items F.O.B: destination. Location of the Government site is aboard USDA-ARS Madison, WI and will be identified in the contract. The Government anticipates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract. Submitting a Quote: To be eligible for an award, all contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with a current and active registration. A contractor can contact SAM by calling 1-866-606-8220 or e-mail at www.sam.gov. NO EXCEPTIONS. A DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet) number is required in order to register. Vendor must also include their DUNS# on their quote. The submission and payment of invoices on the resulting contract will be made through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). As such, vendors must be currently registered or register in IPP in order to be able to submit and receive payment on invoices for the resulting contract. Offerors responding to this announcement shall submit their quote on SF-18 (see attached). The quote should include all fees, delivery charges, and/or surcharges. This will be a tax-exempt purchase. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Please email all quotes in writing on the SF-18 to Aaron Dimeo at
[email protected] by no later than Monday, August 24, 2020 at 12:00 PM Central Standard Time . Questions in regard to this combined synopsis/solicitation must be submitted through email and are due no later than 3:00 PM CST on Thursday, August 20, 2020. Answers to any questions received by that time will be posted as an amendment to this combined synopsis/solicitation.