Livestock Respiration Chamber

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service is soliciting a single livestock respiration chamber for in situ measurement of gas emissions from finishing beef cattle, specifically targeting methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and hydrogen levels to evaluate ruminal microbial activity and feed efficiency. The system must be designed as a mobile unit on a skid, heavy enough to withstand impacts from full-size cattle, and operable via skid steer for movement between pens. It must use RFID tags to identify individual animals and synchronize real-time respiratory and eructation data to a cloud-based platform through WiFi or cellular connectivity. The unit must be capable of sampling up to 30 animals, include automatic calibration, feature Windows-compatible software for data management, and incorporate an AC plug for power. The solicitation requires the equipment to conform to specific C-Lock brand components, including the Greenfeed Standard Bin, Skid Platform Assy, and Calibration Gases Kit, with equal alternatives permitted only if they meet all salient performance, physical, and functional requirements with full documentation. Delivery, installation, and comprehensive on-site training must be completed at the specified location in Chester, Vermont, with the entire system delivered within 60 days of contract award under F.O.B. Destination terms. The contracting office will evaluate submissions under a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology, where only the lowest-priced offer that meets all technical and past performance thresholds will be considered for award. The device must come with lifecycle customer support, including continuous training and service. This acquisition is structured as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 334516 with a 1,000-employee size standard, and all offerors must be certified small businesses in good standing. Offerors are required to comply with a broad set of regulatory clauses covering whistleblower rights, prohibitions on internal confidentiality agreements, combating human trafficking, electronic funds transfer payments, cybersecurity safeguards, and anti-discrimination policies under Executive Order 14173. Contractors must implement PIV compliance procedures aligned with USDA directives, including identity verification and workforce integrity controls to ensure only authorized personnel access government facilities or systems. All quotes must remain firm for 90 days after the submission deadline of July 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time, and must include certifications related to tax matters, Buy American compliance, labor standards exemptions, and socioeconomic status. The government will not issue a separate written solicitation; this announcement serves as the