Mettler Toledo XPR3 ultramicro balance and Mettler Toledo Titrator Compact G20S Rondolino

Notice Number: 143041-26-0079-RBC

Notice Type: Sources Sought Synopsis

Title: Mettler Toledo XPR3 ultramicro balance and Mettler Toledo Titrator Compact G20S Rondolino

Response Date: 07/15/2026

This is a SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS and is not a pre-solicitation announcement. The purpose of this Market Research and Sources Sought Notice is to gain knowledge of potential qualified businesses, which could include Small Business, HUBZone, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Women Owned Small Business firms, and even Large Businesses offering domestically manufactured products that meet the required specifications. Responses to this Sources Sought Synopsis will be used by the Government in making appropriate acquisition decisions.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) 

The Environmental Physiology Program’s existing ultramicro balance model was discontinued in January 1991. The NWFSC is no longer able to properly maintain the equipment because essential replacement parts are unavailable and manufacturer service is no longer offered. This equipment is necessary to accurately weigh extremely small amounts of chemicals (0.5 – 1.0 mg) used in support of mission-critical science evaluating Pacific salmon stock status and survival. Research projects that require this equipment have spanned multiple years, and consistency is required between our existing equipment and the new procurement in order to ensure integrity, accuracy, and precision for our scientific research.

The titrator is necessary to accurately determine the total alkalinity of seawater,  a critical aspect of carbonate chemistry assessed during ocean acidification experiments.  There is a need for total alkalinity assessment at the Manchester Research Station where the shellfish labs are located.  Currently, there is no titrator available at Manchester for alkalinity assessments, which prevents reliable real-time assessments of carbonate chemistry. Sample continuity within on-going research between the Montlake and Manchester labs is critical.

INTENDED USE/PURPOSE:

This is the only known instrument that can meet the Government’s needs, and this notice’s intent is to identify any other products that meet the full requirements listed below.

An ultramicro balance to weigh small amounts of laboratory chemicals and a potentiometric titrator for measuring total alkalinity in seawater are required. Both pieces of equipment will be used by the Environmental Physiology Program within the Environmental and Fisheries Sciences (EFS) Division at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/ESSENTIAL SALIENT FEATURES:

The XPR3 Ultramicro Balance operates at 115V and has dimensions not exceeding 125 mm (W) x 360 mm (D) x 180 mm (H). This instrument offers a 3.1 g capacity, 0.001 mg readability, 0.0008 mg repeatability, 0.004 mg linearity deviation, 0.003 mg eccentricity, and a 0.045 mg sensitivity offset. Key features include a draft shield, active temperature control, a glove-compatible touchscreen, level control, status lighting, a low-measurement warning function, user management with password protection, and quality assurance capabilities. Due to the high precision required, installation, training, and all services must be provided by the manufacturer or a certified technician, and a two-year extended warranty is necessary to maintain calibration and scientific integrity. 

The Titrator Compact G20S Rondolino also operates at 115V and has dimensions not exceeding 8 1/4 inches (W) x 13 1/8 inches (L) x 12 1/8 inches (H). It features automatic titrant and sensor recognition, a Rondolino sample changer, a 20 mL burette, a pH electrode, a reagent control pump, and a rinse unit to prevent sample carryover. These two laboratory equipment items are not manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities of a satisfactory quality.

DELIVERY SCHEDULE:

Delivery within 90 days of award of the Purchase Order.

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 334516 with a size standard of 1,000 employees.

Interested firms shall provide, in writing, a brief narrative (no more than 3 pages in length) and documentation to support your firm’s capability and experience meeting the requirements herein and include your firm’s name, address, point of contact, telephone number, UEID Number, CCR CAGE Number, business type and size (i.e., small, large, non-profit, educational, etc.). Any response that does not include this information will not be considered. The Government will review your response to determine if your firm has the experience, knowledge, and capability to provide the items as specified above.

This request for information does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued. Nor does this request for information constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that any procurement action may be issued for the Government’s requirements.

No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise because of the submission of contractor’s information. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations.

All contractors doing business with the Government are required to be registered and active with the System for Award Management (SAM) website.

NOTE: THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT CONSIDERED A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL BUT A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. No solicitation document is available. No contract will be awarded based on responses received to this notice.