Specimen Surface Laser Marking Device-Forest Products Laboratory

The USDA Forest Service is soliciting a sole-source order for a 3-axis, air-cooled, 7W UV laser marking system operating at 355 nm, intended for high-precision, non-destructive surface patterning of wood and cellulose-based specimens at the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin. The system must provide a 30 µm spot size, ±20 mm automatic contour tracking, IP64-rated environmental protection, and repeatability within ±10 µm to support metrology-grade research applications, with delivery required by August 30, 2026. Although designated as sole-source to Keyence Corporation of America (UEI: L66VDJVM3VP6), other responsible suppliers may submit quotes under FAR 13.501(a). The acquisition is conducted under FAR Subpart 12.6 as a commercial item procurement, and award will follow the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology, where technical acceptability—determined by compliance with mandatory specifications like laser wavelength, power, spot size, and tracking capability—is the first and decisive criterion, followed by price reasonableness and acceptable past performance. All submissions must be received via email to Michael.Wheelock@usda.gov no later than 9:00 A.M. EST on August 7, 2026, with late quotes excluded from consideration. Invoicing is mandatory through the IPP.gov platform per FAR 52.232-33, and paper or alternative electronic methods are prohibited. The contract is firm-fixed price, with FOB destination terms meaning the contractor bears all transportation risks and costs until official receipt at the Madison facility. Compliance with FAR clauses including 52.246-15 for Certificate of Conformance, 52.203-13 for ethical conduct, 52.225-1 for Buy American, and AGAR 452.203-71 for anti-discrimination and DEI certification is required, while no socioeconomic set-asides apply. Packaging and shipping must conform to FAR 52.247-34, with 48-hour advance notification of delivery required, and no MIL-STD packaging standards are invoked. The contract includes strict prohibitions on unauthorized supplier terms, indemnification, AI/ML training using government data, and automatic renewals, with payment contingent upon full compliance with all terms. The