for Benchtop Microbial Isolation and Cultivation Platform (Brand Name Prospector or Equal)

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service seeks one benchtop microbial isolation and cultivation platform (brand name Prospector or equal) with quotations due August 25, 2026, at 8:00 AM Central Time. This is an unrestricted procurement using the FAR Part 12 commercial items format; no separate written solicitation will be issued.

Place of performance is Pullman, Washington (USDA ARS Wheat Health, Genetics, and Quality Research, 230 SE Dairy Road, Room 367a Johnson Hall, WSU, Pullman WA 99164). Delivery is required within 60 days of order receipt with F.O.B. destination terms; installation, assembly, general user training, and a one-year commercial warranty are included.

The platform must support high-throughput microbial isolation and characterization from environmental samples (plant tissues, soil, rhizosphere microbiomes) with parallel high-density cultivation exceeding 6,000 wells per array, automated fluorescence imaging across multiple wavelengths, and automated isolate recovery. Salient technical characteristics include fluorescence excitation LEDs (blue 450–468 nm, green 528 nm, red 624 nm) with corresponding detection filters, microwell volume of at least 3 nanoliters, operating altitude 0–2000 meters, operating temperature 15–30°C at 20–80% relative humidity, 115V/60Hz power supply, and Windows 10 operating system. Offerors proposing equal products must provide descriptive literature or clear references demonstrating compliance with all salient characteristics.

The NAICS code is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. Award will be made to the lowest-priced technically acceptable offer based on technical acceptability and past performance ratings (acceptable, neutral, or unacceptable). All pricing must be all-inclusive of taxes, fees, delivery, and shipping.