P25-1661 - IFB -Scanning Electron Microscope

The California Department of Food & Agriculture is seeking to procure a scanning electron microscope through an Invitation for Bid (IFB P25-1661) to support essential morphological identification of pest insect and weed seed samples by the Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch. Bids are due by 3:00 PM PT on May 26, 2026, and must be submitted electronically as PDFs via email to CDFA.Acquisitions@cdfa.ca.gov with a specified subject line and CC to Crystal Dawson. The equipment must meet detailed specifications outlined in Attachment A, specifically the Tescan VEGA LMS model, and must be delivered FOB destination to 3294 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, CA 95832, with all shipping, freight, and handling costs included in the bid price. The award will follow a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach, where bids are first evaluated for responsiveness and responsibility, and price serves as the sole determinant among qualifying offers. Compliance with mandatory attachments, including the Bidder Declaration, Specification Compliance Questionnaire, Payee Data Record, and Generative AI Reporting and Factsheet (STD 1000), is required, with failure to submit any item resulting in disqualification. Bidders must also certify compliance with California’s recycled content requirements under Public Contract Code 12207 and 12209 for applicable materials such as metal and paper, with preference given in the event of equal bids. Additional special requirements include mandatory disclosure of any Generative AI use, certification of Commercially Useful Function for small business, microbusiness, or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) status claims, and adherence to TACPA preference rules for California-based businesses in qualified target areas. DVBE participants must submit post-award reporting and have a $10,000 retention held until compliance is verified. All documentation must be retained for six years, and protests must be filed within one business day of award notice. A valid Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov is required for federal funding compliance, though CAGE codes are not necessary. No contract clause numbering or formal FAR clauses are referenced; instead, state-specific forms and regulations govern compliance.