Mouse Breeding Cage

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences seeks five mouse breeding individually ventilated cage (IVC) systems, with quotations due August 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM EST and questions due August 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM EST. This is a total small business set-aside procurement.

Place of performance is Bethesda, Maryland (4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814). The NAICS code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing; PSC is 6640, Laboratory Equipment and Supplies.

The IVC system must accommodate approximately 1,000 mice annually and be compatible with existing 142-inch cage inventory. Maximum height is 78 inches to fit existing door frames. The cage requires sealed tubular horizontal manifolds with 304 stainless steel air tubes, welded and riveted seams, and a high-temperature glass-filled polysulfone support runner system fully autoclavable at 250 degrees. The system must feature an ergonomic single-finger docking mechanism with auto-locking capability, tethered exhaust and supply manifold caps, 5-inch and 3.5-inch diameter stainless steel casters with sealed ball bearings and four foot-operated brakes, and rack-mounted blower options with 7–25 watts power consumption and approximately 20 dB noise levels. Exhaust plenums must remain negative to room regardless of blower air changes per hour and be compatible with Sentinel holders for PCR testing. Cages must feature clear polysulfone construction, internal stainless-steel diffusers, mechanically interlocked gaskets, automatic sealing exhaust ports with metal snap rings, and T-99 HEPA Grade Filters (0.26 mm thickness). Supply air enters at cage bottom with exhaust at lid level. The vendor must provide setup, operator training, and trash removal services.

Evaluation uses best-value trade-off approach weighing technical specifications and performance (including quality control, delivery schedule, and installation), past performance history within the past three years assessed through vendor submissions and government databases, and price reasonableness. Quoters may submit multiple quotes for different brands and models with pricing options for one-year or three-year extended warranty. Quote prices must remain valid for 30 days minimum. Quoters must be registered and active in SAM.gov and provide CAGE code, Unique Entity Identifier, Tax Identification Number, detailed product overview, individual item pricing including shipping, and delivery schedule. Quotations must be submitted via email to Christopher White (Contracting Officer) and Ryan Jeffers (Contract Specialist); faxed submissions will not be accepted. The procurement incorporates FAR Parts 12 and 13 and DFARS provisions and clauses applicable to commercial acquisitions.