Questions and Answers.docx
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- Attached to
- Micro-Compounder and Mini Injector Moulder Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 1232SA26Q1104
About this file
This file is a Questions and Answers document for solicitation 1232SA26Q1104, a Request for Quotation (RFQ) issued by the USDA Agricultural Research Service for a Micro-Compounder and Mini Injection Moulder system. The Q&A addresses 12 key clarifications regarding the technical specifications and capabilities required for the equipment. Critical specifications confirmed include: 5 Nm minimum torque per screw (higher acceptable), 350°C minimum temperature maximum (higher acceptable), and 1100 bar maximum injection pressure for the moulder, which vendors must meet for polymers PHB and PHA. The system must include integrated pressure transducers for rheological measurement, produce ASTM D638 Type V tensile bars through micro/mini injection molding of compounded materials, and accommodate future capabilities such as water cooling, larger molds, downstream processing tools (pelletizers, cast film, 3D filament), and automated continuous feeding. The equipment will process additive materials including biochar and wool, with potential for abrasive materials in future research.
The solicitation is a Total Small Business Set-Aside, with quotes due by 4:00 pm Central Standard Time on Friday, August 12, 2026, submitted electronically to lynn.hults@usda.gov. The final deadline for question submission was 3:00 pm Central Standard Time on Tuesday, August 7, 2026. Vendors must be active and registered in SAM.gov at time of submission and award, with payment processed through the Department of Treasury Invoice Processing Platform at IPP.gov. Quotations must include detailed specifications demonstrating capability beyond the minimum requirements, as generic specifications will not receive further consideration for award.
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Other files for this federal contract opportunity
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| C04_1232SA26Q1104.pdf | ||
| C04_1232SA26Q1104.pdf | ||
| C04b_Specifications -micro-compounder injection molder 1232SA26Q1104.pdf |
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Questions and Answers
1232SA26Q1104
1. Will filled materials be measured/processed?
Yes, the filled or compounded materials will be measured and processed afterwards. The included micro or mini compounder and mini or micro injection moulder will be used to make tensile bars specifically ASTM D638 Type V. The remaining compounded material that does not fill the micro or mini compounder transfer unit can then be extruded out of the compounder and tested.
2. Are abrasive materials expected?
As ARS is the in house research arm of the USDA, abrasive materials may be used in the future. Current additives will include Biochar and Wool.
3. Would a higher torque than 5 nm per screw be desirable?
5Nm is the lowest acceptable torque per screw maximum for the mini or micro compounder. If a system offers a greater torque per screw and meets all of the other requirements that would be taken into consideration.
4. Would a higher temperature than 350C be desirable?
350C is the lowest acceptable temperature maximum limit for the mini or micro compounder. If a system offers a greater temperature maximum limit and meets all of the other requirements that would be taken into consideration.
5. Would the ability to control the screw-barrel gap for large particles or unique shear conditions be valuable?
The ability to control the screw-barrel gap may be helpful. However is this feature available for a micro or mini compounder?
6. Is integrated pressure only needed for rheological parameters, or is pressure specifically needed to be measured as well?
The compounder should have integrated pressure transducers that we can use to measure.
7. Is slightly more bench space available for the injection moulder? (90 cm in length) This solicitation includes both the mini or micro compounder and a mini or micro injection moulder. Both systems must be provided.
8. Why is 1100 bar of pressure required? This is exceptionally high. Is this just to process high viscosity polymers? If so, could you give examples of polymers you expect to work with that require this?
The 1100 bar of injection pressure is the maximum limit for the mini or micro injection moulder and is the minimum acceptable maximum for the injection moulder. If a system offers a greater maximum pressure limit this will be taken into consideration with all of the other requirements. Current polymers to be used are PHB and PHA, however the mini or micro compounder and mini or micro injection moulder will be used for other polymers and additives in the future.
9. Are larger dog bones/molds desirable, or are only type V considered?
Larger dog bones and other molds will be desirable in the future and the mini or micro injection moulder system will be able to accommodate other molds. However, for this solicitation the ASTM D638 Type V must be included with the mini or micro injection system.
10. Is water cooling desired to increase cooling rates the number of samples per day?
Water cooling should be an option that can be purchased later. This solicitation did not include it for the mini or micro injection moulder system. However, if the water cooling is included as an option for the bid and the unit has the funding this may be considered.
11. Are any downstream shaping tool desired now or in the future (pelletizer, cast film, 3D filament, fibers, composite materials?)
Downstream tools should be able to purchased later on as funds are available and research needs change. This system must include an adapter for the mini or micro injection transfer unit to connect to the mini or micro compounder.
12. Is automated feeding/continuous processing desirable now or in the future?
An automated feeding and continuous extrusion is desirable for the future.
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