C02 - Request for Information for Particle_Size_Distro_Analyzers.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

PARTICAL SIZE DISTRIBUTION ANALYZERS

GENERAL INFORMATION:

This is a REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. This announcement seeks information from industry, which will be used for preliminary planning purposes. No quotes are being requested or accepted with this synopsis. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR QUOTES AND NO

CONTRACT SHALL BE AWARDED FROM THIS SYNOPSIS.

The purpose of this Request for Information is to gain knowledge of interest, availability, capabilities, and qualifications of various members of industry.

The NAICS code for this product is: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instruments.

SYNOPSIS

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Production and Conservation Business Center on behalf of USDA National Soil Survey Lab – Kellogg Soil Survey Lab requires three (3) Particle Size Distribution Analyzers and accessories that meet the established specifications.

The following technical specifications are required to meet the NRCS mission:

Technical Specification – Three (3) Particle Size Distribution Analyzers

1. OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this procurement is to acquire three (3) particle size distribution analyzers (PSDA) to expand the Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory’s capacity to process approximately 8,000 soil samples required for the Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP). These instruments are essential for meeting the accelerated analytical workload and ensuring that all particle size data are generated, validated, and delivered by the mid-December deadline established for RPP reporting. The additional analyzers will enable KSSL to maintain timely, high-quality soil texture analysis in support of NRCS program commitments and mission-critical national initiatives.

2. PARTICAL SIZE DISTRIBUTION ANALYZER REQUIREMENTS:

The Vendor must offer laser diffraction particle size analyzers that are 100% compatible with current KSSL, technology noted below.

OPTICAL SYSTEM

• Single-lens measurement range: 0.01 – 3500 µm

• Optical bench length: 690 mm

• Red laser: 633 nm Helium-Neon

• Blue LED: 10 mW, 470 nm

• Wide-angle detection: 0.015° – 144°

• Auto-locking cell cassette mechanism

• Automatic cell recognition via software

RESOLUTION AND PERFORMANCE

• Sub-micron resolution enhanced with blue LED

• Consistent resolution across full size range

• Compatible with all Mastersizer 3000 / 3000+ wet dispersion units

INCLUDED HARDWARE/ACCESSORIES

• 600 mL sample tank

• Materials: stainless steel, borosilicate glass, PTFE, PEEK, FEP, Tygon

• Variable-power inline sonication (40W @ 40 kHz)

• Automated pumping/stirring (flow up to 2.3 L/min)

• Full automation of:

o sample dispersion o cleaning o dispersant filling

• Max particle size with Hydro LV+: 2100 µm

3. COMPLIANCE:

The prospective vendor(s) shall provide laser diffraction particle size analyzers that are 100% compatible with current KSSL, technology noted above.

4. DELIVERABLES:

Three (3) particle analyzers within 180 days after receipt of order. The shipment address is as follows:

Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory

1121 Lincoln Mall, room 230

Lincoln, NE 68508

INFORMATION SOUGHT:

It is requested that interested parties submit confirmation they can provide the requested items and an estimate on the time required to deliver the items after receipt of order. Please include information in which country the item is manufactured. This is not a Request for Quote, however, please include Pricing information for purpose of this market research and confirm if requested items are made in America or not. Please provide Company name, address, point of contact, phone number, and email address. Company profile shall include socio-economic business size, office location(s), and Unique Entity ID Number (if registered in System for Award Management).

Interested parties who wish to respond to this Request for Information should send responses via email no later than 10:00 a.m. on July 10, 2026 to scott.crist@usda.gov and ryan.lorimer@usda.gov. All emails must include the subject line: KSSL – Three (3) Particle Size Analyzers.

This Request for Information is not a Request for Quote (RFQ) or Proposal (RFP) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue solicitation or ultimately award a contract.

Responses will not be considered as a quote/proposal nor will any award be made as result of this synopsis.

All information contained in this Request for Information is preliminary as well as subject to modification and is in no way binding on the Government. Revolutionary FAR Overhaul is incorporated by reference into this Request for Information. The Government will not reimburse companies for any costs associated with the submission of their responses to this Sources Sought.

This Request for Information is issued solely for information and planning purposes. Proprietary information and trade secrets, if any, must be clearly marked on all materials. All information received in this Request for Information that is marked “Proprietary” will be handled accordingly.

Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned nor will receipt be confirmed.

mailto:scott.crist@usda.gov mailto:ryan.lorimer@usda.gov