Benchtop Bioreactor System

This is a combined Synopsis/solicitation for the United States  Department of Agriculture,  Agriculture Research Service,  prepared in accordance with the format to Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this solicitation. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, quotes are being requested and a written notice, will not be issued. Solicitation Number 1008010 - is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). This solicitation  document  incorporates  provisions and  clauses which are in effect through Federal AcquisitionCircular 2020-06 dated June 5, 2020.   This solicitation shall be  reserved exclusively for Small Businesses – with a small business size standard of 1000 employees – ref: NAICS code: 334516

SHIP TO ADDRESS – 600 E. Mermaid Lane -  Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038

    Please make sure You include (Not to Exceed) Shipping Charges to the address listed directly above – when submitting Your quote.

  Minimum Requirements – 

 USDA’S  project will examine the metabolites and peptides produced by probiotic dairy cultures during the fermentation of milk, ice cream, and whey protein. We currently have a fermentation system with two bioreactor vessels. We look to expand our fermentation capabilities and throughput by procurement of another benchtop fermentation system with two additional bioreactor vessels.

Minimum specifications for a Benchtop Bioreactor System for microbial fermentation in milk, ice cream and whey:

• • System compatible with both autoclaveable and single-use vessels (for pathogens).
• • Must include two (2) autoclavable vessels with minimum working volume range of 0.6 to 1.0 L.
• • Vessel agitator motors capable of clockwise and counter-clockwise operation for improved bioprocessing.
• • Available connection for four automated sensors.
  • • Must include automated sensors capable of storing calibration data for: o pH
  • o Dissolved oxygen (DO2)
  • o Carbon dioxide (CO2)
  • • Must include volume level sensing control.
  • • Pump housing with a minimum ratio of four (4) peristaltic pumps per one (1) reaction vessel.
  • • Thermal mass flow controllers for multiple sparge gases and overlay gas, specifically for Air and Oxygen.
  • • Temperature control up to at least 50C above ambient.
  • • Onboard process control software which does not require use of external computer to maximize efficient use of limited benchtop footprint; software should be capable of the following: o Ability to control reaction vessels independent of one another
  • o Automatic gas mixing of up to four gases
  • o Programmable time-based batch management
  • • Flexibility to scale up system with reaction vessels up to 10L in volume.
  • • Recirculated chiller or equivalent cooling system to regulate vessel temperature.
  • • All included accessories that accompanies such a bioreactor system.
  • • Installation and training.
  • •

Clauses/Provisions Incorporated by reference: This requirement incorporates one or more clauses by reference with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed at the following address: https//www.acquisition.gov/far.

52.212-5 - Commercial Items (JULY 2020)

52.204-7 - System for Award Management (OCT 2018 )

52.204-13 - System for System for Award Management Maintenance ( OCT 2018)

52.204-16 - Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (JULY 2016)

52.209-2 - Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations - Representation ( NOV 2015)

52.212-1 - Instructions to Offerers Commercial Items (JUNE 2020)

52.212-4 - Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items ( OCT 2018 ) 52.223-1 - Bio-Based Product Certification (MAY 2012)

52.232-39 - !Jnenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations ( JUNE 2013)

52.232-40 - Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Sub­ contractors (DEC 2013)

52.237-2 - Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment and Vegetation (APR 1984)

No late vendor quotes or vendor questions shall be accepted referencing the above solicitation number.  All vendor questions are due via email  to John.Wilkinson@usda.gov  by Friday  Sept. 4, 2020 by 4:00 p.m. e.s.t.

I, John Wilkinson will respond back to all vendor questions by Tuesday Sept. 8, 2020 by 4:00 P.M e.s.t

 Oral Communications are not acceptable in response to this requirement. All vendor quotes are due via email to: John.Wilkinson@usda.gov – by 4:00 p.m. on Wed. Sept. 9, 2020. Anticipated Award date is  Thursday Sept. 10, 2020 or shortly thereafter.

 Important Note:  the vendor who offers the -    Best Value to the Federal Government -    which meets all of the above USDA end-user requirements-specifications shall be awarded a USDA Purchase Order.  Special Note – The vendor must already ( mandatorily ) have their companies – Dun and Bradstreet No. as current and active – as of Wed. Sept. 9, 2020 Noon e.s.t.    The web site for the above Dun and Bradstreet No. registration is www.beta.sam.gov – at phone no. 1-866-606-8220