Multi-Purpose Microscope

This federal solicitation (SF-1449) is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) issued by the USDA ARS Acquisition and Property Division (Solicitation Number 1232SA26Q1078). The agency is seeking to procure a single multi-purpose microscope for delivery to the USDA ARS PWA FSCRU Aquaculture facility located at the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon. The requested microscope must feature combined upright and inverted hybrid modes, brightfield and phase contrast capabilities with the capacity for future fluorescence upgrades, a magnification range of 1.25× to 100×, support for PLAN lenses to allow a wide-range field of vision, and an included color camera optimized for true-color brightfield imaging. This procurement is set aside 100% for small businesses under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing). Offers are due by September 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Time. Delivery of the equipment is required within 30 days after the contract award.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Pacific Shellfish Research Unit in Newport, Oregon, has issued a requirement for a multipurpose, hybrid microscope to support research on shellfish development, harmful algal blooms, and microbiology. To accommodate space constraints, the instrument must feature a compact footprint (maximum 18” W x 25” D x 25” H) and easily transition between upright and inverted configurations for viewing both glass slides and live fluid samples. Key specifications demand that the microscope support brightfield and phase-contrast imaging, utilize PLAN objectives with a magnification range of 1.25× to 100×, and feature upgrading capabilities for fluorescence. Additionally, the system must include an integrated high-quality color camera optimized for true-color brightfield imaging without requiring an external computer or monitor.

This combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ 1232SA26Q1078) is issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the acquisition of a multi-purpose upright and inverted microscope. This procurement is a 100% total small business set-aside under NAICS code 334516, which carries a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. The USDA intends to award a single, firm-fixed-price contract to the responsive and responsible offeror providing the lowest-priced, technically acceptable quotation. To establish technical acceptability, vendors must provide descriptive literature demonstrating that their proposed brand-name or "or-equal" product meets all specified salient characteristics. Additionally, the contractor must have an acceptable or neutral past performance history. Deliverables must be shipped F.O.B. Destination to the USDA Aquaculture facility at the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon. The agency requires delivery within 90 calendar days of contract award. Offerors must hold their quoted pricing firm for 90 calendar days from the receipt deadline. The solicitation incorporates standard Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions and unique Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses. Notably, these include strict anti-discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) compliance certifications, contract closeout guidelines for unliquidated funds, and comprehensive restrictions on unenforceable commercial supplier terms. Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted via email to the designated contracting representative no later than September 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Time.