Purchase and Delivery of a Critical Freeze Dryer and Accessories

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service seeks purchase and delivery of a critical freeze dryer and accessories for the NEA Food Quality Laboratory, with quotations due September 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT. This is an unrestricted, commercial-items acquisition under FAR Part 12 with no small-business set-aside.

Place of performance and delivery is Beltsville, Maryland (NEA Food Quality Laboratory, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Building 002, Room 117, BARC-West). The equipment must feature automatic end-of-drying cycle detection, integrated freezing and drying capability to prevent sample transfer, temperature-controlled electrically heated shelves, front-loading design with interchangeable shelf configurations, a minimum 5-shelf stack with stainless steel trays, 8-liter capacity, cooling capacity of at least −49°F, benchtop dimensions, minimum sublimation rates of 4 liters per day, and 120/240 VAC at 50/60 Hz power capacity. A minimum 1-year warranty is required. Delivery must occur within 60 days of award on an F.O.B. Destination basis. The Government anticipates one firm-fixed price award. Quotations must remain firm for 90 calendar days from receipt date. Questions are due September 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET to john.camacho@usda.gov.

The NAICS code is 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services) with a $19.5 million size standard; PSC code is 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies). This is a rated order under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System. Evaluation uses lowest price technically acceptable methodology, with technical acceptability as the primary criterion followed by past performance assessment. The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-4, 52.212-3, and 52.212-5, and includes Buy American requirements and standard commercial-items provisions. Contracting Officer is Marian W. Feist; point of contact is John Camacho at john.camacho@usda.gov.