Sources Sought Additional Open Path FTIR for USDA ARS Kimberly, ID
ID: 12905B24SS0248Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OFAGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICEUSDA ARS PWA AAO ACQ/PER PROPALBANY, CA, 94710, USA

PSC

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES (6640)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS) is seeking information from qualified suppliers regarding the availability and capability to provide additional open path FTIR equipment for its facility in Kimberly, Idaho. The procurement aims to acquire 22 advanced FTIR systems that seamlessly integrate with existing Cerex monitoring systems, featuring specifications such as a wavelength range of 600-4200 cm-1 and the ability to analyze over 350 gas compounds simultaneously. This initiative is crucial for enhancing environmental monitoring in agricultural settings, ensuring reliable performance in extreme climates. Interested vendors, particularly small businesses, are encouraged to submit capability statements by the specified deadline to Michael Sherlock at michael.sherlock@usda.gov, as this notice is part of market research and does not constitute a solicitation for proposals.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The USDA's ARS Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Unit in Kimberly, ID, is requesting proposals for the procurement of advanced open path FTIR instruments. The requirements specify 22 FTIR systems paired with heavy-duty telescoping tripods, retroreflectors, and additional components such as multi-gas monostatic analyzers capable of continuous field operation in extreme climates. Key features include a wavelength range of 600-4200 cm-1, accurate measurement of gases like ammonia and methane, and the ability to analyze over 350 gas compounds simultaneously. The instruments must support multiple communication methods, full remote control, and reliable data transmission to central systems. Essential software for analysis is required to function on Windows 10, with options to save data in .csv format. The RFP also stipulates the provision of technical support, a rapid service turnaround, and specific delivery timelines for the instruments post-award. This request aligns with efforts to enhance environmental monitoring in agricultural settings and ensure reliability and ease of use in challenging working conditions.
    The USDA ARS has issued a Sources Sought notice for Open Path FTIR Equipment, aimed at gathering information on the availability and capability of potential suppliers. This notice is part of market research and does not solicit proposals or quotes. The focus is on obtaining equipment that integrates smoothly with existing Cerex monitoring systems, adhering to specified requirements outlined in the document. Interested vendors, including various classifications of small businesses, are encouraged to submit capability statements detailing their qualifications for providing the requested equipment. These statements must confirm their ability to meet the requirements, their Small Business Administration size standards, and relevant past project experiences. Vendors should refrain from including any proprietary or sensitive information in their submissions. The notice emphasizes that responses will be used to determine potential acquisition methods and may lead to a future solicitation on sam.gov. Vendors should submit their information by the designated deadline, with no obligation on the government's part to acknowledge or provide feedback on the submissions. This process underscores the government's effort to engage with small businesses while assessing market capabilities for specific equipment needs.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Similar Opportunities
    M26-016 Invenio S and Hyperion II Bruker
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Sustainment Center at Tinker Air Force Base, is seeking quotations for the procurement of a Bruker Invenio Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer and a Bruker Hyperion II FT-IR Microscope. The requirements include a benchtop FT-IR system with specific features for quantitative gaseous analysis and a microscope designed for advanced materials characterization, both necessitating dedicated computer hardware, initial supplies, and on-site installation and training for Air Force chemists. These instruments are critical for analytical laboratory functions, enhancing the capabilities for materials analysis and characterization within the Air Force. Interested vendors must submit their quotations by December 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM CST, preferably via email to Michael Chappell Jr. at michael.chappell.7@us.af.mil, and must be registered in SAM.gov to be eligible for contract award.
    Sources Sought Notice for Mid-IR Optical Frequency Comb
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has issued a Sources Sought Notice for Mid-IR Optical Frequency Comb Systems to support its CHIPS Metrology Program's Grand Challenge 1. NIST requires three systems for applications in broadband spectroscopy, spectral reference databases, and new laser diagnostics in semiconductor processes, along with an additional system to fill a critical gap in long-wave infrared spectroradiometry and molecular spectroscopy for the space, defense, and satellite industries. Interested vendors are invited to provide information regarding their capabilities, including product specifications, customization options, and available services, while ensuring that proprietary information is not disclosed. Responses should be submitted via email to Forest Crumpler at forest.crumpler@nist.gov, as NIST seeks to gather market insights to inform future procurement decisions.
    Viavi CX300 Service Monitors
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The USDA Forest Service is seeking quotes for the procurement of Viavi CX300 Service Monitors, or equivalent, under a firm-fixed-price, small business set-aside contract. The solicitation outlines specific requirements, including a broad frequency range of 100 kHz to 3 GHz, high accuracy, and various spectral purity specifications, ensuring the monitors meet rigorous government standards for communication equipment. These service monitors are critical for effective communication and operational efficiency within the Forest Service, particularly for fire management and other field operations. Quotes are due by December 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET, and interested vendors must submit questions by December 12, 2025, to the primary contact, Cori Gonzales, at corrine.gonzales@usda.gov.
    Reverse Osmosis and Softener Treatment and Data Management System special design
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The Department of Agriculture, specifically the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), is conducting a market survey to identify qualified small businesses for a proposed procurement of a Reverse Osmosis and Softener Treatment and Data Management System. The objective is to assess the availability and capability of small businesses, including those certified as HUBZone, 8(a), Women-Owned, or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, to meet specific minimum specifications related to water treatment and management. This procurement is crucial for ensuring effective water treatment processes at the ARS facility in Manhattan, KS. Interested parties are encouraged to submit a Capabilities Statement by December 16, 2025, to Kelly Wright at kelly.wright@usda.gov, as the government will use the responses to determine the appropriate acquisition method.
    Microbial Identification System (MIS)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the United States Army Health Contracting Activity, is seeking information regarding a commercial solution for a Microbial Identification System (MIS) to enhance its MicroScan autoSCAN-4 System. The objective is to procure a system that meets the Critical Operational Device Specifications (CODS), which include operational characteristics, support for specific testing panels, and compatibility with a LabPro computer running Windows 11. This procurement is crucial for ensuring reliable laboratory systems in medical environments, particularly in austere settings. Interested vendors must submit their responses by 4:00 PM Central Time on April 3, 2025, to Linda McGhee at linda.a.mcghee.civ@health.mil, and are encouraged to provide detailed information about their capabilities and products as outlined in the RFI documents.
    00018 - XRD Diffractometer System
    Labor, Department Of
    The U.S. Department of Labor, through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is seeking information regarding the procurement of an XRD Diffractometer System, as outlined in a Request for Information (RFI). This advanced analytical equipment is essential for high-precision analyses in materials research, including phase identification and crystallographic structure determination across various sample types. Interested vendors must provide detailed company capabilities, proposed approaches, and pricing estimates, with responses due by January 07, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST, and questions accepted until December 17, 2025. For further inquiries, potential respondents can contact Maria Britton at britton.maria.m@dol.gov or Deborah Worrells at worrells.deborah@dol.gov.
    Sources Sought Notice for a MIR Camera
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has issued a Sources Sought Notice (NIST-SS26-CHIPS-23) to identify potential sources for a mid-infrared camera and associated lenses. This equipment is critical for the Digital Twins for Atomic Layer Deposition Processes Project, which aims to develop and validate digital twin models for atomic layer deposition processes, requiring high sensitivity and rapid imaging capabilities across the mid-infrared spectral region. Interested vendors are requested to provide detailed company information, product specifications, customization capabilities, and pricing by December 15, 2025, to assist in market research for this procurement. For further inquiries, respondents may contact Elizabeth Timberlake at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov or Donald Collie at donald.collie@nist.gov.
    Sources Sought: Pest Control Service Advisor/Manager for the USDA, ARS, WRRC and PGEC in Albany, CA
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The Department of Agriculture, specifically the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), is seeking qualified vendors for a Pest Control Service Advisor/Manager position at the Western Regional Research Center (WRRC) in Albany, California. The selected contractor will provide pesticide advisory services and supplemental spraying for various plant species, including tomatoes, wheat, and maize, while addressing threats from pests and pathogens in the greenhouse complex. This role is critical for maintaining plant health and supporting ongoing research efforts through integrated pest management practices. Interested vendors must submit their capability statements, including relevant experience and qualifications, to Shelley C. Steen at shelley.steen@usda.gov by the specified deadline, as this opportunity is part of a Total Small Business Set-Aside initiative under NAICS code 561710.
    Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) gear for USFS Region 5 within California
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The Department of Agriculture, specifically the Forest Service, is seeking information from vendors capable of providing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) gear for Region 5 within California. The procurement aims to standardize and replace existing SCBA gear, ensuring compliance with safety standards and enhancing interoperability for firefighting operations. Key specifications include the Drager PSS5000 or PSS7000 SCBA packs, which must meet NFPA 1981 and 1982 approvals, and include features such as a 45-minute carbon fiber cylinder and on-site training for equipment use and maintenance. Interested vendors must submit their specifications by 12:00 PM MST on December 16, 2025, to Megan Acord at megan.acord@usda.gov, and should be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for contract award.
    Energy dispersive micro-focusing X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (μEDXRF) with poly-capillary optics
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is conducting a market survey to identify potential sources for an energy-dispersive micro-focusing X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (μEDXRF) with poly-capillary optics. This advanced instrument is essential for non-destructive spectral mapping and chemical analysis of materials used in aircraft and jet engines, requiring capabilities to detect elements from Carbon to Uranium with high resolution and sensitivity. Interested contractors, both small and large businesses, are encouraged to submit documentation demonstrating their expertise in manufacturing μEDXRF spectrometers, along with quality assurance processes and relevant past experience. Responses are due by January 7, 2026, and should be directed to Erin Hampton (erin.hampton@us.af.mil) and Anthony Dollard (anthony.dollard@us.af.mil).