Cytation 5 Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader

The USDA Agricultural Research Service is awarding a firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of a single Cytation 5 Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader, model CYT5MFW-SN, to support foodborne pathogen research at its Eastern Regional Research Center in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania. The solicitation, numbered 1232SA26Q0707, was posted on June 30, 2026, with responses due by 3:00 p.m. Central Time on July 9, 2026, and must be submitted electronically via email to monte.jordan@usda.gov with the solicitation number in the subject line. Delivery is required by September 30, 2026, at the specified delivery address, with F.O.B. destination terms applying. The acquisition is unrestricted, not set aside for small businesses, and governed under NAICS code 334516. Technical compliance with the specifications in Attachment 2 is mandatory, and the equipment must be the exact Agilent model to ensure compatibility with existing research infrastructure. Offers are evaluated under a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable methodology, with technical acceptability serving as a pass-fail gate. Only technically acceptable quotations proceed to price evaluation, where the lowest compliant offer wins, with past performance used only as a tiebreaker. All vendors must be registered in SAM.gov with an active UEI, and the selected vendor must certify under the Buy American Act that the product is U.S.-manufactured with domestic components exceeding 55 percent. The contract includes clauses related to electronic funds transfer payments through SAM, restrictions on subcontractor sales, sustainable procurement, equal opportunity for workers with disabilities and veterans, child labor protections, convicts labor, trafficking in persons, and security prohibitions including data export restrictions and prohibitions on using government data to train AI systems. No COR or COTR is formally designated, but technical inquiries should be directed to Manita Guragain. Payment must be made via EFT as mandated by clause 52.232-33, and invoices must be submitted to the Contracting Officer for approval. The contractor must also comply with Federal anti-discrimination laws and cannot impose unenforceable terms such as indemnification of the contractor, auditing of government systems, or use of clickwrap agreements. The equipment must be delivered fully configured with manufacturer-specific accessories not included in the base GSA model, and all technical deviations must be clearly explained