66--Notice of Intent to Sole Source
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water intends to award a sole-source contract to Verder Scientific Inc. for the purchase of a Cryo Mill cryogenic grinder, exclusively because it is the only instrument capable of meeting the agency’s specific technical requirements for producing micro- and nanoplastics under 1000 nanometers. The equipment must feature a closed-vial system, stainless steel components to prevent contamination, liquid nitrogen autofill and safety sensors, a minimum 50 mL grinding capacity, compatibility with various grinding slugs or balls, a benchtop footprint under two square feet, multiple interchangeable grinding chambers to avoid cross-contamination, programmable protocol storage, and proven ability to generate reproducible nanoplastic particles—a capability verified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. No other cryogenic grinder has been demonstrated to fulfill these exacting standards, justifying the sole-source determination under FAR 6.303-1(a)(1). The contract, governed by simplified acquisition procedures below the threshold, is tied to expiring funds and must be awarded by September 30, 2026, with delivery expected by October 30, 2026, to the EPA facility in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The action falls under NAICS Code 334516 and PSC 6630. Though this is not a competitive solicitation, any interested party may submit a capability statement by 4:30 p.m. EDT on August 20, 2026, to demonstrate potential equivalence, though the government retains full discretion to proceed without competition regardless of submissions. All communications must reference solicitation number 68HERW26Q077 and be directed to Charles Fischer at Fischer.charles@epa.gov. Respondents assume all costs associated with providing information, and no procurement obligations are created by this notice.
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This is a notice of intent to award a sole-source contract using simplified acquisition procedures and is not a request for competitive quotes.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water (OW) intends to award a sole source contract under the simplified acquisition threshold for a Cryo Mill cryogenic grinder instrument from Verder Scientific Inc. that is capable of grinding polymers into mico/ nanoplastics to a size less than 1000 nanometers (nm).
In accordance with FAR 6.303-1(a)(1), there is the only responsible source available that can satisfy agency requirements. The Cryo Mill is the only cryogenic grinder that the government has determined can meet the government’s specifications. These specifications include:
1. Closed-vial system to reduce polymer contamination during use.
2. Stainless steel grinding chamber/ vial and accessories to reduce sample contamination.
3. Liquid nitrogen autofill accessories to provide continuous cooling of system during grinding and liquid nitrogen sensors for safety precautions.
4. Capacity to grind at least 50 mL of material.
5. Ability to use various sizes of grinding slugs or balls to optimize grinding procedures to make reproducible protocols.
6. Benchtop model to fit in current lab space configuration (under 2 ft2 size)
7. Availability of multiple grinding chambers to avoid cross contamination between different polymers, reduce downtime, and increase sample processing
8. Demonstrated ability to create nanoplastic particles (<1000 nm)
9. Programmable ability to store multiple protocols for accurate replication of procedures
The capability to configure Cryo Mill instrumentation to reliably create micro/nanoplastics has been demonstrated by members of the scientific community at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Only this suggested source can furnish equipment that meets these requirements to the exclusion of other sources. The government could not find evidence that comparable cryogenic grinders could reliably meet this requirement.
This requirement includes expiring funds, and it is anticipated that the EPA will award this action no later than September 30, 2026. The applicable NAICS Code is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) PSC is 6630 (Chemical Analysis Instruments). The anticipated delivery date is October 30, 2026 and will be sent to the Environmental Protection Agency, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI. 02882.
This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. Any party who believes they can perform this requirement should submit a capability statement for government’s consideration. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received by the government as a result of this notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.
The government will not be responsible for any costs incurred by a party who responds to this notice. A party may identify their interest and submit a capability statement no later than 4:30 p.m. EDT on August 20, 2026.
Responses, including questions about this notice, should be sent via email to Charles Fischer (Contracting Officer) at Fischer.charles@epa.gov. Please reference 68HERW26Q0077 in the subject line of your email.
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