66 -- Cryo Bio System

The contract involves the USDA Agricultural Research Service entering into a single-source agreement with IMV International Corporation of Maple Grove, Minnesota, to acquire a Cryo Bio System. This system includes two main components: the MAPI Strawfiller and Labeler and the CBS High Security Straw, along with the necessary consumable supplies for initial use. Both the equipment and the process are protected by multiple patents, ensuring proprietary technology is involved. The system is designed to operate reliably under cryogenic conditions for extended periods, with the ionomeric resin straw specifically engineered to resist shattering after sealing despite exposure to these extreme temperatures. This procurement aims to support applications requiring durable and secure cryogenic storage and labeling solutions, reflecting a specialized need for handling biological samples or related materials in ultra-cold environments. The contract highlights the emphasis on patented technology to maintain performance integrity and reliability in cryogenic operations, ensuring the USDA's research activities are supported by state-of-the-art equipment suited for long-term frozen storage.