Glass Bioreactors with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Lids

THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY.  This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations.  This Sources Sought is issued for information and planning purposes only as part of USDA ARS market research and does not itself constitute an RFQ.

Glass Bioreactors and  Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Lids

Background

USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit (DFFRU) requests a Contractor from which to develop and purchase glass bioreactors with PTFE lids that are capable of working with a Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecology (SHIME) system at the DFFRU. 

Requirements

The government requires eleven (11) glass bioreactors with a volume of less than <250 ml (milliliter) and includes PTFE lids that can be fitted and used with the current SHIME computer-controlled panel. These glass bioreactors and lids must be 100% compatible with the current SHIME system, including appropriate fitting sizes on the lids that are compatible with the SHIME pH probes and tubing used to feed the system, a functioning double layered water jacket compatible with the circulating water bath, and capable of maintaining agitation using a magnetic stirrer.

This Sources Sought is only for the purpose of identifying potential sources as part of USDA ARS market research. The Government does not intend to make an award based on responses to this inquiry. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government.

Responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible.  

The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of qualified sources including any Small Businesses; HUBZone small business; service-disabled, veteran-owned small business; 8(a) small business; veteran-owned small business; woman-owned small business; or small disadvantaged businesses. Please state if you are a large business or a small business according to the NAICS code listed in this Sources Sought.

All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government.

Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response defines how it can specifically meet the specifications for the items requested.  Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted.  After review of the responses received, a Combined Synopsis solicitation notice may be published on Sam.gov.

Submit the Following:

1. Your response should define how you can specifically meet the technical requirements in the attachment Statement of Work.
2. Provide any Information to help determine if the requirement is commercially available, delivery schedules, customary terms and conditions, warranties, proprietary information, etc.
3. Identify if you are a large business or a small business with NACIS 334516
4. Place of Manufacture.
5. SAM.gov UEI Number

Original Point of Contact: All responses to this Sources Sought Notice must be received by June 28, 2024, by 11:00 AM EDT, the specified due date, and time to be considered. 

Email responses with subject heading “Glass Bioreactors with Lids” to Claire Anderson at claire.anderson@usda.gov.

Responses will not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Inquiry.

Do not submit pricing information in response to this Request.