Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (dPCR) Instrument

This solicitation, numbered 1232SA26Q0695, is a combined synopsis and solicitation for commercial items issued under FAR Part 12 to procure a single Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (dPCR) Instrument from a small business concern. The acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under FAR 19.5 with a North American Industry Classification System code of 334516 and a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. All responsible small businesses may submit a quotation, which must be submitted electronically by 3:00 p.m. Central Time on June 11, 2026, to the designated point of contact at USDA ARS. Proposals must include a Firm Fixed-Price quotation on company letterhead, a completed and signed Price Schedule of Line Items (Attachment 3) with Clear Line Item Numbers (CLIN), the Offeror’s Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and a written technical proposal demonstrating a clear understanding of the Government’s requirements. The instrument must meet specific technical criteria: it must utilize digital PCR technology, process at least 16 samples per run, have a minimum of four optical channels for multiplexing, include analysis software, and be shipped fully assembled. Delivery is required by July 31, 2026, to the USDA-ARS Coastal Plains Soil, Water & Plant Research Center in Florence, South Carolina, under F.O.B. Destination terms. The evaluation process follows the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology, where only the lowest priced offer is considered for technical acceptability, and if it fails to meet standards, the next lowest offer is evaluated until a technically acceptable and responsible source is identified. Compliance with multiple FAR and agency-specific clauses is mandatory, including 52.212-4 Terms and Conditions for Commercial Items, 52.203-17 Whistleblower Rights, 52.223-9 Items (with Alternate I), 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons, and 52.232-40 Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors. Offerors must also certify compliance with the Buy American Act, avoid contracting with inverted domestic corporations, and disclose any delinquent tax liabilities or felony convictions. A material requirement includes adherence to Federal anti-discrimination laws, Equal Protection principles, Executive Order 1416