Fluorimeter FA700026Q0056 Sources Sought.pdf

Sources Sought: FA700026Q0056

SOURCES SOUGHT / REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Spectrofluorometer (Fluorimeter) System Replacement

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This is a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) notice for informational and planning purposes only. This is NOT a Request for Quotation (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP).

Solicitation Number FA700026Q0056

Requiring Activity USAF Academy (USAFA), Department of Chemistry

(DFCH)

NAICS Code 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 Employees)

Product Service Code (PSC) 6630 – Chemical Analysis Instruments

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction and Purpose

2.0 Background

3.0 Salient Characteristics / Minimum Requirements

4.0 Requested Information

5.0 Submission Details

6.0 Ombudsman

1.0 Introduction and Purpose

This is a Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought notice issued by the 10 CONS/PKB for informational and planning purposes only. This is not a Request for Quote (RFQ) or a Request for Proposal (RFP). It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government. The purpose of this RFI is to conduct market research to identify potential capable sources, determine commercial availability, and evaluate if small business set-aside opportunities exist for a high-performance spectrofluorometer (fluorimeter) system.

2.0 Background

The USAFA Department of Chemistry currently utilizes a 20+-year-old fluorimeter whose excitation source is failing. Replacement parts are no longer manufactured or commercially available. A reliable, modern replacement is critical to sustain upper-division course instruction, which directly impacts 60 to 80 cadets per academic year.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed price.

• Delivery: FOB Destination to USAF Academy, CO 80840.

3.0 Salient Characteristics / Minimum Requirements

The Government is seeking a commercial spectrofluorometer system that meets or exceeds the following technical specifications:

• Multiple Data Collection Modes: The instrument must be capable of multiple data collection modes, including fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemi-luminescence, and bio-luminescence.

• Excitation Source: Must utilize a Xenon flash lamp-based system that minimizes fluorescence photo-bleaching. It must feature a high-frequency flash rate sufficient for rapid data collection and provide room-light immunity, allowing samples or accessories to be measured without closing the sample compartment lid.

• Optical Beam Geometry: The excitation beam geometry (e.g., horizontal) must be configured to maximize collection efficiency and permit the use of low sample volumes in cuvettes.

• Sensitivity & Detection: Must be equipped with a high-sensitivity photomultiplier tube capable of enhanced sensitivity above 700 nm and capable of measuring picomolar amounts of fluorescein.

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): Must have a guaranteed signal-to-noise specification of >500:1 for the Raman Band of Water (using excitation at 500 nm and a 1-second signal averaging time).

• Sample Handling & Temperature Control:

• Must be capable of measuring four or more cells automatically.

• Must include a solid sample holder accessory kit capable of edge mounting, and accommodating powder cells, single crystals, and standard 12.5 x 12.5 mm cuvettes.

• Must include a water-thermostatted single-cell holder and a compatible water pump (110V with standard US plug).

• Must have an integrated Peltier thermostatting system/upgrade for precise temperature control of the cell holder, with a temperature accuracy of ±0.3 °C.

• Must have the ability to measure the exact temperature of the solution using independent temperature probes and be able to ramp the temperature range.

• Data Collection:

• Speeds: Must be capable of collecting data at microsecond time intervals for phosphorescence applications.

• Temperature: Must be capable of collecting data from fluorescence scans at different temperature intervals.

• Software Capabilities: The software must be able to collect fluorescence scans at different temperature intervals. It must also be able to measure multiple ramps and, within each ramp, collect data at varying intervals.

• Sampling Versatility: The system must be capable of reading microplates for high-throughput analysis, as well as reading solid samples.

• System Configuration: The system must come with a desktop PC installed with compatible software to properly interface with and control the instrument.

• Installation & Training: The vendor must provide on-site installation of the instrument and all associated accessories, as well as an introductory equipment and software familiarization/training session upon installation.

4.0 Requested Information

Interested and capable vendors are requested to submit a capability statement addressing the following:

• Company Profile: Company name, address, Point of Contact (POC), phone number, email, System for Award Management (SAM) expiration date, CAGE Code, and Unique Entity ID (UEI).

• Business Size: Identify your business size standard and socioeconomic category (e.g., Large, Small, SDVOSB, WOSB, etc.) under NAICS 334516. If you are a small business, indicate if you manufacture the equipment domestically or if you are an authorized reseller (and identify the manufacturer/country of origin).

• Capability: A brief statement detailing your ability to provide a system that meets all the salient characteristics listed in Section 3.0. Please include standard product brochures or specification sheets if available.

• Manufacturing Status: Indicate if you are the manufacturer or provide the name and size of the manufacturer of the product(s) you will be supplying. Respondents are further requested to indicate their status as a Foreign-owned/foreign-controlled firm and any contemplated use of foreign national employees on this effort.

• Contract Vehicles: Provide your GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract number (e.g., under SIN 334516 or 339113LAB) or any other Government-wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) currently held for these items.

• Commercial Practices: Typical lead time for delivery and standard commercial warranty terms.

• Condition of Equipment: Indicate if ANY of the products or supplies proposed are used, reconditioned, remanufactured, or are unused surplus former Government property.

• Estimated Pricing: Estimated pricing for the system and components that will meet the minimum salient characteristics.

• Submission Constraints: The response must not exceed 5 pages.

• Management & Labor: Contractor is required to provide all management and labor required for the delivery of the product as referenced above. If subcontracts are to be used, provide anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses will be used.

5.0 Submission Details

Responses should be submitted via email (telephone responses will not be accepted) to the Contracting Officer Ronald Wilson at ronald.wilson.26@us.af.mil and the Contract Specialist at mikayla.brandt@us.af.mil no later than 30 Jun 2026 at 10:00 AM MDT.

Future information about this acquisition, including issuance of a quotation and/or applicable amendments, will be issued through www.sam.gov. Interested parties are responsible for ensuring they have the most up-to-date information regarding this acquisition.

6.0 Ombudsman

(a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the interested party to another official who can resolve the concern.

(b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions).

(c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, the interested party may contact the ombudsman, Mr. James Anderson, 8110 Industrial Drive, STE 103, USAFA, CO 80840, Telephone number 719-333-2074, FAX 719-333-9018, Email: james.anderson.72@us.af.mil. Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the Center/MAJCOM/DRU/SMC mailto:ronald.wilson.26@us.af.mil mailto:mikayla.brandt@us.af.mil https://www.sam.gov/ mailto:james.anderson.72@us.af.mil ombudsman level, may be brought by the interested party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (571) 256-2395, facsimile number (571) 256- 2431.

(d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency.

(e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the contracting officer.

(End of clause)