Paddle blender/ribbon blender for the USDA, ARS in Fort Pierce, FL

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service seeks a single 52-gallon, 3-horsepower, 230-volt stainless steel ribbon blender for the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce, Florida, with quotations due September 23, 2026 and questions due September 21, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside issued as a Request for Quotation under FAR Part 12 for commercial items.

Place of performance is Fort Pierce, FL 34946. The blender must meet detailed specifications including a 1,000-pound capacity, minimum 50 gallons and 55 pounds per cubic foot bulk density rating, agitator speed of at least 50 rotations per minute at 60 hertz, and all wetted parts and interior finishes constructed of stainless steel type 304. Physical constraints limit the trough to 20 inches width and 40 inches length, with overall dimensions not exceeding 75 inches width and 40 inches length. The discharge valve must be manually operated stainless steel type 304 with an FDA-compliant urethane seal and silicone O-ring, and equipment must include OSHA-compliant safety guards and an FDA-compliant cover gasket. A keypad must provide star/stop control, speed adjustment, and digital display of amps, load percentage, and other values. Delivery must occur within 120 days of order receipt to the Fish Nutrition Lab at 5600 US-1. The NAICS code is 333241, Food Product Machinery Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 500 employees.

The Government anticipates one firm fixed-price award. Evaluation methodology is Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable, with only the lowest priced offer receiving technical evaluation initially. Technical responses must demonstrate ability to meet schedule requirements and detail any specification deviations. All items require Certificates of Conformance per FAR 52.246-15 with clear traceability to the original equipment manufacturer; only new approved parts are acceptable. Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days. Buy American requirements apply. Questions should be directed to Shelley Steen at shelley.steen@usda.gov.