Controllable Vacuum Pump for a Microfluidic Device (CoVPM)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC-CERL) is procuring a Controllable Vacuum Pump for a Microfluidic Device (CoVPM) to support research examining volatile compound emissions from permafrost thaw. The system must be compatible with an existing Nikon IX-81 Fluorescent Microscope and includes comprehensive microfluidic components such as a vacuum pump with -1000mbar pressure range, a 3-channel flow controller with 1400 mbar maximum pressure capability, metal tube cap reservoir, low-pressure generator, and push-pull module. All components must be compatible with biological samples and standard laboratory vials. The procurement will use the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation criteria, meaning the award will go to the lowest-priced offer that meets all technical requirements. Responses must be submitted by September 16, 2025, to the specified email addresses with "Controllable Vacuum Pump" in the subject line.

This procurement is designated as a 100% set-aside for small businesses under NAICS code 334516 with a size standard of 1000 employees. Market research identified four potential vendors capable of meeting the requirements: Fluigent Inc., Elveflow, On-Chip Biotechnologies, and PreciGenome. The total estimated contract value is $22,147.50, funded through Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) funds with firm-fixed pricing. Delivery is required within 21 days after contract award, and shipping costs must be included in proposals. The place of performance is Champaign, Illinois, where the equipment will be delivered to support the laboratory's microfluidic research applications. Vendors must be actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with no active exclusions and complete all required FAR and DFARS registrations to be eligible for award.