Notice of Intent to Sole Source

NOTICE OF INTENT
This is a notice of intent to award a sole-source contract using simplified acquisition procedures and is not a request for competitive quotes.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water (OW) intends to award a sole source contract under the simplified acquisition threshold for a Cryo Mill cryogenic grinder instrument from Verder Scientific Inc. that is capable of grinding polymers into mico/ nanoplastics to a size less than 1000 nanometers (nm).

In accordance with FAR 6.303-1(a)(1), there is the only responsible source available that can satisfy agency requirements. The Cryo Mill is the only cryogenic grinder that the government has determined can meet the government’s specifications. These specifications include:

1. Closed-vial system to reduce polymer contamination during use.
2. Stainless steel grinding chamber/ vial and accessories to reduce sample contamination.
3. Liquid nitrogen autofill accessories to provide continuous cooling of system during grinding and liquid nitrogen sensors for safety precautions.
4. Capacity to grind at least 50 mL of material.
5. Ability to use various sizes of grinding slugs or balls to optimize grinding procedures to make reproducible protocols.
6. Benchtop model to fit in current lab space configuration (under 2 ft2 size)
7. Availability of multiple grinding chambers to avoid cross contamination between different polymers, reduce downtime, and increase sample processing
8. Demonstrated ability to create nanoplastic particles (<1000 nm)
9. Programmable ability to store multiple protocols for accurate replication of procedures

The capability to configure Cryo Mill instrumentation to reliably create micro/nanoplastics has been demonstrated by members of the scientific community at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Only this suggested source can furnish equipment that meets these requirements to the exclusion of other sources. The government could not find evidence that comparable cryogenic grinders could reliably meet this requirement.

This requirement includes expiring funds, and it is anticipated that the EPA will award this action no later than September 30, 2026. The applicable NAICS Code is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) PSC is 6630 (Chemical Analysis Instruments). The anticipated delivery date is October 30, 2026 and will be sent to the Environmental Protection Agency, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI. 02882.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. Any party who believes they can perform this requirement should submit a capability statement for government’s consideration. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received by the government as a result of this notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

The government will not be responsible for any costs incurred by a party who responds to this notice. A party may identify their interest and submit a capability statement no later than 4:30 p.m. EDT on August 20, 2026.

Responses, including questions about this notice, should be sent via email to Charles Fischer (Contracting Officer) at Fischer.charles@epa.gov. Please reference 68HERW26Q0077 in the subject line of your email.