Aqualab VSA Vapor Sorption Analyzer by Addium, Inc.

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on behalf of USDA Agricultural Research Service intends to award a firm-fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc. (11491 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, VA  20190) for the procurement of (1) Aeros Reflectance Spectrophotometer Part # AERO and (1) Sample Handling Package for Chips Part #L02-1014-751 and shipping.

Statutory Authority

This purchase is being conducted under the authority of FAR 12.  The FSIS has determined that Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc. is the only source reasonably available to satisfy this requirement of the Aeros Reflectance Spectrophotometer and Sample Handling package for Chips because this equipment affords large non-contact area for measuring color of larger samples; has automated averaging capabilities, it automatically adjusts the heigh position between the same and the detector which reduces bias introduced by the operator; has embedded comprehensive software greatly assisting data analysis and has advanced communication features facilitating data transfer.  This equipment will also be used in conjunction with another laboratory working on the same national trials and will make consistent comparisons between data from two processing locations.

This is not a request for competitive proposals.  It’s a synopsis for informational purposes only. However, any responsible source that believes it can meet this requirement may submit a capability statement, which shall be considered by the agency.

Responses must include:
1. Company Name and CAGE Code.

2. Technical description of how the proposed alternative meets all requirements listed above.

Responses will be used to determine if a competitive procurement is necessary, at the discretion of the Contracting Officer.