Automated Slide Scanner

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service seeks one Automated Slide Scanner via Total Small Business set-aside, with quotations due June 5, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. CDT and questions due May 29 at 4:00 p.m. CDT.

Place of performance is Washington, DC. The procurement specifies the Glissando RS20 Automated Slide Scanner or equal. The system must process 20 slides per operational run with whole-slide scanning of standard 25mm x 75mm microscope slides, magnification up to 400X with 0.5-micrometer scanning resolution, automated tissue detection and autofocus, barcode reading with automated file labeling, integrated control computer with monitor, and integrated Extended Depth of Field (EDF) software producing focus-stacked images. The EDF software must not be in beta-testing status. The system shall include a 20X objective with optional 40X scanning capability and must complete high-resolution z-stack scanning and EDF image production for a 2mm x 2mm window (70-micrometer range, 0.8-micrometer step size, 88 stacks) within 2 minutes. Output formats include TIFF, JPEG, and Bitmap. All items must demonstrate clear traceability to the original equipment manufacturer or authorized distributor, and contractors must furnish a Certificate of Conformance per FAR 52.246-15. Vendors are expected to offer on-site installation and training. Delivery is expected within calendar year 2026 under F.O.B. destination terms with payment in one installment following receipt and acceptance. The NAICS code is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing); the small business size standard is 1,000 employees. The Government intends to make a single firm fixed-price award evaluated under lowest-price technically-acceptable criteria and reserves the right to make multiple awards if administratively justified. Submit quotations to Contracting Specialist James Porter at james.porter@usda.gov.