Automated Pipetting Robot

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items with commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in FAR subpart 12.06, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is12805B21Q0393 and is issued as a request for quotations (RFQ). This solicitation document incorporates those provisions and clauses in effect through FederalAcquisition Circular 2021-05. The associated NAICS Code is 334516. LARGE BUSINESSES MAY SUBMIT QUOTES.

Specifications for robotic pipetting instrument (USDA‐ARS, College Station, TX):
▪     The system must be capable of using four or eight fixed washable or disposable tips at one 
time. It should also be capable of using any number of lesser tips independently. All tips will be 
located on  a  single  arm  for  high  throughput  sample  processing.  Each  sampling  tip  will  
be  capable  of independent motion in the Z‐direction.   Tips and arm must have positional accuracy 
to target a 384 well low volume PCR plate.
▪     The system must be configurable with a choice of methods for eliminating carry‐over between 
samples. No manual intervention is required to switch from one tip type to another. Changing from 
disposable tips to fixed washable tip processing can be done within a single operation step in a 
protocol.
▪     The Instrument should be equipped with 250µL syringes.
▪     Instrument  should  be  able  to  aspirate  volumes  ranging  between  1µL  and  2.5mL  in  a 
 single aspiration step without changing the hardware configuration.
▪     Systems must be capable of probe‐to‐probe spacing from 9 to 20 or 9 to 40mm.
▪     The system should be able to utilize both standard and conductive disposable tips. Conductive 
tips should enable liquid level sensing.
▪     Multiple disposable tip sizes should be compatible on single sampling probe including 10 uL, 
20uL, 200uL, 1000uL and 5000µL tips. All disposable tips should be capable of being utilized in a 
multi‐ tip mode.
▪     The system should have a capacity of up to 32 deck positions. The system should also allow 
for upgradeability of microplate and disposable tip storage device to be integrated to the system.
▪     System should be compatible with a variety of automated temperature control options enabling 
both chilling and heating to occur on the deck. Multiple heating tiles can be operated 
automatically, simultaneously, and independently at different temperatures ranging from ambient to 
100C.
▪     The instrument should be able to include a technology allowing the movement of microplates 
without the need for a separate gripper.
▪     The instrument should be equipped with a wash station and waste chute.
▪     The instrument should be upgradeable or equipped with an enclosure.
▪     The instrument must be capable of providing independent liquid level sensing in a 
multi‐tipped mode with fixed, washable sampling tips or disposable tips.
▪     Liquid level sensing must be capable of detecting non‐ionic and organic solvents such as 
deionized water, DMSO or methanol.
▪     When utilizing fixed tips or conductive disposable tips, the system’s liquid level sensing 
must be sensitive enough to detect sample volumes of less than 100 uL in test tubes or 50 uL in 
microplates with standard JANUS™ racks and in a multi‐tipped configuration.
▪     The system must include electrical sensors to verify disposable tip pick up and disposal. 
Sensors should be capable of being turned on or off at users discretion.
▪     Software should enable users to determine when to dispose of tips and when to reuse them. 
System should be capable of re‐using a tip when performing duplicate transfers.
▪     The system must include the ability to operate at the user discretion with fewer than total 
tips configured on the system at one time.
▪     The system must allow any combination of labware to be included on deck for use in processing 
within a single protocol.   Labware should include but not be limited to test tubes, microplates, 
deep well plates, troughs, micro centrifuge vials, etc.

The delivery address is:
USDA, ARS, PA, Crop Germplasm Research
2881 F & B Road
College Station, TX  77845

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED IN QUOTE: In order to be considered for award,Offerors must respond by:
1) Providing a quote on company letterhead (including DUNS Number)addressing all of the requirements of the RFQ, clearly noting the requirements in the attached Statement of Work. Also fill out the attached SF-1449 and return.
2) Have an Active SAM.gov registration and complete the Representations in FAR52.204-54; the Representation and Certification section should also be completed electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov.
Any amendment and documents related to this procurement will be available electronically at the Government Point of Entry (sam.gov). FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-2, 52.212-3, 52.212-4 and 52.212-5 (and any addenda to those clauses) are included in the attached clauses and provisions document.  Additionally, other contract requirements and terms/conditions can be located in the same document. The Government anticipates award of a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose quote conforms to the specifications that will be the most advantageous to the Government in accordance with FAR 13.106-2 considering three major areas: technical acceptance, past performance and price. Quotes will be evaluated by performing a comparative evaluation in accordance with FAR 13.106-2(b)(3) to determine which quote represents the best as a whole. The Government has the discretion to accept other than the lowest priced quote that provides additional benefits.  All sources wishing to quote shall furnish a quotation by 4:00 p.m. Central Time,on or before July 19, 2021. Quotations are to be sent via email to James Porter at james.porter@usda.gov. Send technical questions to Joshua Udall at joshua.udall@usda.gov.

Failure to provide the required information in the requested format may result in quotes not being considered for award.  Attached Provisions/Clauses apply to this RFQ and any subsequent award.