Vendor Questions 0049.pdf

Request for Quote (RFQ) 123A9426Q0049 Vendor Questions

September 16, 2026

1. Bill of materials confirmation. The Technical Acceptability part-number table and the Schedule of Items list the six part numbers in a different order. Please confirm the authoritative bill of materials is 8533EP, 8535, 801807, 801850, B2B5-8533EP, and 801830, with quantities of four (4) each for CLINs 0001-0005 and one (1) for CLIN 0006 (Accessory Kit 801830).

• The authoritative bill of materials are correctly listed by part number and quantity.

2. Accessory kit quantity. CLIN 0006 (801830) shows a quantity of 1 while all instrument components show 4. Please confirm a single shared accessory kit is intended for the four systems.

• Yes, a single shared accessory kit is sufficient to maintain all four systems.

3. Descriptive-literature format. For an offeror quoting the genuine brand-name TSI equipment, will the manufacturer datasheets/catalog pages that reference each salient characteristic satisfy the descriptive-literature requirement, or does the Government also require a separate point-by-point salient-characteristics compliance matrix?

• The manufacturer’s datasheets/catalog pages that reference each salient characteristic satisfy the descriptive-literature requirement.

4. Five-year warranty and AGAR 452.203-72. CLIN 0005 is a manufacturer (TSI) 5-year warranty/service contract customarily delivered with standard supplier terms. Please confirm (a) the warranty is to be quoted subject to AGAR 452.203-72 and the no-automatic-renewal provision, and (b) whether the Government will require a signed USDA Supplier Terms Authorization Form for any manufacturer terms associated with this CLIN.

• (a) Yes. Any warranty offered under this CLIN must be quoted subject to AGAR 452.203-72, including the no-automatic-renewal requirement in paragraph (m).

• (b) Yes. If the manufacturer includes any supplier terms, they will not be binding on the Government unless the Contracting Officer expressly authorizes them via a signed USDA Supplier Terms Authorization Form that is then incorporated into the contract.

5. Buy American application. The solicitation incorporates 52.225-1 (Buy American - Supplies) but not 52.225-3 (Trade Agreements). Please confirm (a) that US-manufactured TSI equipment qualifies as a domestic end product, and (b) how the Buy American evaluation preference will be applied to any non-domestic equal end product.

• The estimated value is under $100,000, the solicitation correctly includes 52.225-1 and not 52.225-3.

6. Delivery and acceptance point. Please confirm whether delivery to USDA-ARS, 150 Twelve Ln., Mississippi State, MS 39762 is curbside FOB Destination only, or whether inside delivery, uncrating, setup, or installation is required, and identify the receiving point of contact for scheduling.

• The address listed is correct. Curbside delivery is acceptable, there’s a receiving facility that will handle the shipment when it arrives. The receiving point of contact will be shared upon award.

7. Proof of authorization. Does the Government require a manufacturer authorization letter or proof of authorized-reseller status for TSI equipment to be submitted with the quotation?

• Yes, the government requires vendors to be either the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or an authorized dealer/distributor/reseller for the equipment offered. This status must be verified by a manufacturer authorization letter or equivalent documentation submitted with your quotation.