The U.S. Department of Agriculture, specifically the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is seeking quotes for the procurement of an optical sorter to enhance operations at the Mexican Fruit Fly Rearing Facility in Edinburg, Texas. This automated sorting machine is essential for efficiently separating male and female flies from a new strain, BPS-10, which is critical for the Sterile Insect Technique used to control wild populations of the pest Anastrepha ludens that threaten citrus crops. The RFQ outlines the requirement for a Bühler Inc. SORTEX J – Spectra Vision Optical Sorter, with a delivery deadline of June 6, 2025, and includes stipulations for installation, operational training, and compliance with security measures at the facility. Interested vendors can direct inquiries to Jim Roloff at james.g.roloff@usda.gov or by phone at 612-590-7603.