12 - Two-Liter Autoclavable Glass Bioreactor Vessels (must be compatible) with Sartorius Biostat-B Bioreactor Control Units

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued Solicitation Number 1232SA26Q0217 for 12 bioreactor 2-liter autoclavable glass vessels compatible with Sartorius Biostat-B Bioreactor control units. This is a sole-source, firm-fixed price contract, subject to FAR 52.225-3 Buy American–Free Trade Agreements–Israeli Trade Act. Quotes will be evaluated based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria, considering price, technical acceptability (meeting salient characteristics with sufficient documentation), and past performance. Key clauses include those related to Buy American, Combating Trafficking in Persons, and a specific AGAR clause on Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance. Quotations are due by March 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, to monte.jordan@usda.gov. The USDA requires delivery by April 20, 2026, to Peoria, IL. The document also outlines the USDA Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), specifically the Bioenergy Research Unit (BRU) in Peoria, IL, requires 12 new, 2-liter, autoclavable glass bioreactor vessels. These vessels must be compatible with existing Sartorius Biostat-B Bioreactor control units, including their stirring mechanisms and water-based temperature control systems. Key features include a stainless steel head plate with 19mm, 12mm, and 6mm ports for various sensors and additions, and a stainless steel stirrer shaft for direct coupling to the control unit motor. The inner dimensions of the vessels are 130mm diameter and 240mm height. Delivery of all components, including reaction vessels, stands, stirrer shafts, motor couplings, stainless steel head plates, and hose kits, is required at the Peoria, IL location no later than 60 days after the purchase order. The price must be f.o.b Destination, inclusive of all shipping costs. Ronald Hector is the point of contact for delivery.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided to restrict competition for the acquisition of 12 bioreactor 2-liter autoclavable glass vessels, approving a sole-source, firm-fixed price contract to Sartorius Stedim North America, Inc. This decision is justified by the requirement for compatibility with existing Sartorius Biostat-B Bioreactor control units currently in use at the Bioenergy Research Unit (BRU) in Peoria, IL. The unique specifications of Sartorius bioreactor vessels, which are only sold through the manufacturer, and the inability of market research to identify comparable American-made products, necessitate this restriction. The procurement is crucial for ongoing research at BRU, ensuring continuity with historic data and experimental design. The contract will continue to provide essential resources for maintaining and enhancing the performance of the research unit.