SOURCES SOUGHT - Bench-top time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance analyzer (TD-NMR)

Sources are being sought to determine if there are manufacturers/contractors available offering a domestically sourced item that meets the minimum description outlined below. This is not a solicitation Announcement or Request for Proposal. It does not constitute any commitment by the Government. No award will result from this notice. The purpose is to conduct market research to gain knowledge of potentially qualified domestic sources. Responses to this Sources Sought Notice will be used by the Government to make an appropriate acquisition decision. The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will not award a contract on the basis of responses or pay for the preparation of any information submitted. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this notice. After completing an analysis of the responses, the Government will determine whether to proceed with issuing an unrestricted solicitation, inviting full and open competition.

Purpose:

ARS Acquisition and Property Division (APD), Acquisition seeks to determine the availability and capability of potential businesses offering a domestically available source of supply for the project below. The information received resulting from this market research will be considered for the purpose of determining domestically available sources.

Product Information:

• The Government seeks information from qualified and experienced contractors capable of providing a domestically sourced Bench-top time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance analyzer (TD-NMR).

Current Known Source:  Rotunda Scientific Technologies

33732 Fishcreek Road #913

Stow, OH 44224

Place of Performance: USDA, ARS, 1815 N University St, Peoria, IL 61604

Anticipated Solicitation Release: August 30, 2026

Estimated Delivery: Delivery is expected within five months after award.  

Description of Supply and Service

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS must meet or exceed the following:

Bench-top time-domain NMR- Minimum specifications:

• 20 MHz transmitter
• EMI-shielded closed housing
• CE-conformed closed housing
• Programmer Frequency range of 5-65 MHz, with 1 Hz stepping and resolution 1 ppm or better.
• Pulse programmer of 20 ns timing resolution
• Phase resolution of better than 0.2°
• Receiver/Analog Digital converter:
• Will works with Minispec Software or provide and upgrade format compatible with Windows 11 (current Minispec software is Automation Release 2.1; Microsoft NET Framework 3.0) for data acquisition
• 20 MHz probe assembly with 10 mm ratio probe with variable temperature capability ranging from at least -5 °C to 65°C with provided cryostat bath and matching daily check samples and 20 MHz pre-amplifier
• PC/keyboard/Monitor/mouse with Microsoft Windows 11 for running Minispec software. NOTE: Computer not connected to USDA network (standalone computer).
• Certified Solid Fat Content (SFC) Calibration samples ranging from 0% to 70% Solid Fat Content.
• All types of SFC methods including direct/indirect and parallel/serial methods are supported.
• Automated sample changer system compatible with existing TC3/TC6 baths (10 mm probe and sample vial size), and minispec software.
• Following international standard methods: AOCS Cd 16b-93, AOCS Cd 16-81, ISO 8292 and IUPAC 2.150.
• Thermostat bath (115 V/60 Hz), -20 to +150 °C; Bath opening (W x D)/bath depth: 13 x 15 cm / 15 cm.
• Shipping/Import Costs/Handling
• 1+ year warranty from completed installation
• Onsite installation, training, testing, verification.

Disclaimers:

1. This notice is posted in accordance with FAR Part 5.2.
2. In accordance with FAR Part 4.1102, Procedures, System for Award Management (SAM), potential contractors must be registered in SAM prior to submitting responses, proposals, bids, or quotes. Offerors may obtain information on registration at https://www.sam.gov.
3. Any potential future solicitations will be posted exclusively on SAM.gov. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring this website for the release of solicitation and any updates or amendments.
4. Do NOT submit proposals, bids, or quotes at this time.
5. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this notice.

Instructions For Interested Parties, Capabilities:

Companies who have experience, as well as an interest in doing business with ARS, should submit a Capabilities Statement which, for this notice, is not expected to be a proposal, but rather short statements regarding the company’s ability to demonstrate their expertise and experience in relation to the areas specified in this notice. Companies should also indicate whether they are a Small Business, SBA-certified HUBZone, SBA-certified 8(a), SDVOSB, or Women-Owned Small Business as well as the Country of Origin of the proposed instrument and accessories. Responses should be submitted by August 17, 2026, no later than 12:00 p.m. PDT to the attention of Brian Fien at brian.fien@usda.gov.