NRS Rhinelander Autoclave/Laboratory Steam Sterilizer

The USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station (NRS) 13 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin is seeking quotations for one pre- and post-vacuum autoclave/laboratory steam sterilizer meeting or equaling the specifications of a Tuttnauer 3870HSG-WS model. The procurement requires a unit with an 85-liter (22.5-gallon) chamber capacity, stainless-steel interior construction, built-in steam generator, and the ability to operate at both 121°C/15 psi and 134°C/30.5 psi sterilization cycles on a three-phase 230-volt, 25-amp, 60Hz power supply. The autoclave must accommodate four standard 2L media bottles and three 2L wide-mouth Erlenmeyer flasks in single cycles, feature front-loading with automatic door operation, contain a minimum of two shelves/trays, and comply with UL, FDA, CE, and ASME standards. Award will be made using a lowest price technically acceptable evaluation method on a firm-fixed-price basis to the lowest-priced responsive and responsible offer. Critical deadlines include February 26, 2026 at 2359 Eastern Time for submission of written questions and March 7, 2026 at 2359 Eastern Time for quotation submission to patrick.jones2@usda.gov.

This solicitation is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing). One unit of the autoclave is required, with delivery mandated by April 30, 2026 using F.O.B. destination shipping to Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The equipment must be U.S.-made and freestanding for installation in a 7-foot depth by 9-foot width room with a 31-inch-wide entrance doorway, with the unit requiring mobility via castors for maintenance access. Vendors must submit a completed Schedule of Items, a Buy American Certificate (FAR 52.225-2), and maintain active System for Award Management (SAM) registration with pricing held firm for 90 calendar days. Offerors proposing products that are "or equal" to the Tuttnauer model must provide descriptive literature, illustrations, drawings, or clear references demonstrating compliance with all salient characteristics as detailed in the solicitation documents.