Premium Vacuum Oven for Moisture Testing for Molasses Project Mandated by Congress

The United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services has issued a Special Notice for the acquisition of a specialized vacuum oven and vacuum pump for the National Science Laboratories in Gastonia, NC. The procurement is specifically for a Memmert USA VO101 vacuum oven and PMP 101 vacuum pump, designed to perform precise moisture testing for a congressionally mandated project. This Special Notice represents a targeted procurement for highly specialized scientific equipment that meets specific technical requirements for laboratory testing. The opportunity is set aside for small businesses and was posted on May 28, 2025, with a response deadline of June 6, 2025. The procurement falls under the Industrial Process Furnace and Oven Manufacturing NAICS category and is processed under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) for single source procurement.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to acquire laboratory equipment that can maintain low-pressure vacuum levels critical for accurate moisture testing in molasses research. Contractors eligible to participate must be small businesses capable of providing the exact Memmert USA equipment specifications, with the total estimated procurement value at $26,305.56. Previous laboratory equipment struggled to maintain consistent vacuum pressures, leading to increased maintenance time and frequent equipment replacements, which prompted this specific procurement approach. The justification document indicates that market research confirmed the Memmert USA models as the only source reasonably available that meets the precise technical requirements for the project. Potential contractors should carefully review the attached Single Source Justification document, which details the technical specifications and procurement rationale. The opportunity requires precise alignment with the specified equipment model and demonstrated capability to provide the exact VO101 vacuum oven and PMP 101 vacuum pump configuration. Interested small businesses must submit their responses by June 6, 2025, through the appropriate federal contracting channels.