Automated Fiber Analyzer for FFD Lab

The State of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development issued Request for Proposal No. 180000003349 on August 27, 2018, for the procurement of one new Ankom A2000 Automated Fiber Analyzer for installation at the Geagley Laboratory in East Lansing, Michigan. The procurement involves delivery and installation of laboratory equipment including the Ankom A2000 Automated Fiber Analyzer (120V, 50/60Hz), two Cubetainer Tube Assemblies, two Cubetainers with Tap, one A2000 Cubetainer Shelf Assembly, one Water Heater Assembly, and related accessories compatible with Ankom F58 filter bags and the State's current Ankom Model A200. The primary objective is to acquire crude fiber analysis capability meeting AAFCO specifications, with the equipment to be fully operational upon final acceptance. The contractor must complete installation within 21 calendar days of order, provide comprehensive training on instrument controls and operation, explain delivery and transportation programs with optimized packaging and standard 4-way palletization, provide complete warranty information and quality assurance procedures, and disclose energy-efficient features and product composition including mercury and brominated flame retardant content. Evaluation criteria include pricing for equipment and installation, fair market value, qualified disabled veteran status under Michigan law, prior performance with the State, total cost of ownership factors, and overall economic impact to Michigan. The proposal submission deadline was September 3, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern, with an anticipated contract begin date of September 6, 2018, and proposals remain binding for 180 calendar days from submission.

Bids on alternate brands or manufacturers will not be considered, restricting competition to the specific Ankom equipment identified in the solicitation. The State requires all bidders to comply with certifications regarding abusive labor practices, Michigan business tax filings, Iran-linked business restrictions, clean corporate citizen status, and State of Michigan tax and debt obligations. Qualified disabled veteran business enterprises may receive consideration under Michigan law as an evaluation factor. The solicitation did not identify any incumbent vendors or current contractors for this equipment. Contractors must accept the standard Contract Terms as presented or submit proposed changes using track changes with explanations, and must maintain specified insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), and Workers' Compensation with Employers Liability ($500,000 per accident). The specific award value or budget range was not disclosed in the available procurement documents. All proposals must be submitted electronically through the Michigan SIGMA VSS system, with questions directed to Carla McCarrick at (517) 284-5746 or mccarrickc@michigan.gov.