Automated Aqueous Combustion Total Organic Carbon Analyzer

This solicitation, numbered 1232SA26Q0546, is a combined synopsis and request for quotation issued under FAR Part 12 for the procurement of an Automated Aqueous Combustion Total Organic Carbon Analyzer as a commercial item. The acquisition is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 334516 with a size standard of 1,000 employees, open to all responsible small business sources. The required analyzer must use catalytic platinum combustion at 680–1000°C to oxidize carbon compounds in salt-extracted soil samples and measure TOC, TC, IC, and TC–IC via a flow-through NDIR detector without syringes or multi-port valves. It must include a 30-position autosampler for 40 mL vials, a dedicated salt kit to prevent damage, and operate within a 0–20,000 ppm calibration range with ≤2% RSD precision and ≤1.0% carryover. The system must deliver results within 15 minutes per sample, feature an integrated rinse station and 10-L pressurized water reservoir, and come with a minimum 12-month OEM warranty. Delivery of the analyzer is required within 12 weeks of contract award at the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment in Ames, Iowa, with F.O.B. destination terms applying. The award will be made on a best-value basis considering technical approach and price, with the technical approach carrying greater weight than cost. The solicitation references the Teledyne Lotix (Part #15-1600-000) as the benchmark product and allows “brand name or equal” submissions with supporting documentation. The delivery schedule mandates completion by September 30, 2026. The contract will be a firm-fixed price purchase order. The offeror must submit a quotation by June 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time via email to kerrie.hodges@usda.gov. Required representations include SAM registration, Buy American certification, and certifications regarding child labor, delinquent tax liability, and inverted domestic corporations. Unenforceable supplier terms are explicitly prohibited under AGAR 452.203-72, including clauses on automatic renewals, unauthorized data usage, AI/ML training using government data, geographic data storage mandates, and third-party terms without bilateral