Additional Questions and Answers.docx
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- Attached to
- Instron 34SC-5 Materials Testing System, or comparable Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 1232SA25Q0548
About this file
The document is an Additional Questions and Answers file for Request for Quotation (RFQ) 1232SA25Q0548, issued by the USDA Agricultural Research Service for a Universal Testing Machine. The RFQ seeks an Instron 34SC-5 Materials Testing System or comparable analytical equipment, with a small business set-aside under NAICS code 334516. Key technical details include requirements for tensile grips capable of testing wood specimens 3-30 mm wide and 20-300 mm long, and a bend fixture rated for 5kN capacity with a maximum 5cm center point deflection. Vendors must provide a quote including technical capabilities, total price, shipping, installation, and training, with delivery required within 30 days after receipt of order and on-site services to be completed within an additional 45 days.
Quotes are due by 5:00 p.m. ET on August 11, 2025, to Richard Hawthorne, with questions accepted until 1:00 p.m. ET on August 7, 2025. The place of performance is the USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Laboratory in Kearneysville, WV. The government anticipates a firm fixed-price contract award based on price and technical capability, with evaluation comparing quotes to select the most advantageous vendor. Vendors must be registered in SAM.gov and prepared to accept electronic funds transfer for payment.
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Other files for this federal contract opportunity
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Synopsis Solicitation - 1232SA25Q0548.pdf |
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Additional Questions and Answers RFQ 1232SA25Q0548
1. The RFQ mentions a requested delivery of “30 days ARO”. Can you advise approximately when a contract award would be made? This can help us provide a more accurate lead time to place on the quote. I don’t have an estimated award date (hopefully by the end of August, but no later than 9/30).
1. It looks like the RFQ requires that an operating computer (or similar configuration) is included with the test system. Can you confirm? Yes, an operating computer is required.
1. Can you confirm if it is acceptable that any on-site services for installation, training, and calibration can take place after the requested 30 day delivery deadline? Yes, on-site services can take place after delivery, but should be within an additional 45 days.
1. Does the Place of Performance have a standard height receiving dock? Yes.
1. For Tensile Grips:
0. Can you provide more definition for the expected specimen dimensions and shapes used for tensile testing? Specimens will primarily be cylindrical fresh wood samples from young trees, but may also include leaves and rectangular beams cut from dry wood. The dimensions we expect to use are approximately 3-30 mm width and 20-300 mm length.
0. Do you have any certain requirements for gripping jaw surfaces? Various options are available, including smooth metal, serrated/pyramid, rubber coated, and others for flat specimens, and v-notched grips for round specimens. We anticipate gripping the sample along the long side of the cylinder or rectangular beam. Any surface capable of putting adequate force on a sample of green or dry wood to complete a tensile test to failure is acceptable. Serrated grips are commonly used for this purpose.
1. For the Bend Fixture:
0. Can you provide more definition for the expected specimen dimensions (especially cross-sectional width x thickness or diameter)? The anticipated dimensions are approximately 3-30 mm in diameter and 20-300mm in length.
0. Is a 3-point or 4-point bend fixture required? A 3-point bending fixture is acceptable, however a 4-point fixture is strongly preferred.
0. What is the anticipated maximum load during bend testing? Or should the fixture simply be rated for the 5kN capacity of the machine? The fixture should be rated for the 5kN capacity.
0. What is the anticipated maximum center point deflection of the specimen during testing? We anticipate a maximum center point deflection of 5cm.
0. Given the materials being tested, I assume that that the bend fixture’s loading & support noses can be rigidly fixed but with an infinitely adjustable span as required. In other words, there’s no need for articulation/rollers for the noses. Can you confirm? This is correct. Loading and support points can be fixed. The inside of the support points should be smoothly rounded to maintain support as the sample bends. Rollers are also acceptable.
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