Intent to Award Sole Source - Bioflo 610 Bioreactor Services

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), through its Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services division, has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to award a sole source contract to Eppendorf North America, Inc. for maintenance services of a Bioflo 610 bioreactor. The contract will be awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis under the statutory authority for other than full and open competition per FAR 13.106-1(b). The bioreactor is located at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) and is critical for producing raw materials used in worldwide reagent production. This procurement falls under NAICS code 811210 for Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance with a small business size standard of $34.0 million. The notice explicitly states this is not a request for quotes or proposals but rather an announcement of the government's intent to proceed with a sole source award.

The sole source justification is based on Eppendorf North America, Inc. being the exclusive manufacturer of the Bioflo 610 bioreactor with proprietary training, expertise, and authorized field engineers necessary for the specialized maintenance requirements. The maintenance services will include all parts, labor, travel costs, overhaul of bearing housing, service calls, and preventive maintenance visits to ensure the bioreactor remains in good working order. While this is not a competitive solicitation, all responsible sources may submit responses to Connor Tees at Stephen.Tees@usda.gov by August 22, 2025, for the agency's consideration in determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement instead. Telephonic inquiries will not be accepted, and respondents must provide detailed, current, accurate, and complete information. The government retains sole discretion in determining whether to proceed with the proposed sole source contract or pursue competitive procurement.