FT-IR Microscope

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is seeking a Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) microscope for its Food Safety & Consumer Services Laboratory in Olympia through a Request for Qualifications and Quotations (RFQQ). The procurement covers a benchtop microscope with combined light microscopy and infrared spectroscopy capabilities, specifically designed for analyzing food and animal feed samples. The microscope must feature standalone operation, automated hardware, ATR measurements, and accommodate samples up to 40mm in height. The bid submission deadline is March 12, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST, with required delivery by June 15, 2025. Evaluation criteria will comprehensively assess the procurement, allocating 50 points to product technical functions, 10 points to delivery schedule and support, 20 points to manufacturer's warranty and service, and 20 points to cost. Bidders must possess a Washington State Vendor number and demonstrate a minimum of ten years of experience in laboratory instrument manufacturing or services.

The solicitation encourages participation from minority and women-owned businesses, though no specific set-aside preferences are established. The contract will be fixed-price and deliverable-based, with the fee inclusive of all system provision costs. The project funding expires on June 30, 2025, necessitating completion of all deliverables before this date. While no incumbent vendors are specified, the procurement appears focused on modernizing laboratory analytical capabilities for food safety testing. Potential bidders should note the comprehensive technical requirements and the need for a sophisticated, versatile microscopy system capable of precise sample analysis. Though a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the detailed technical specifications suggest a sophisticated scientific instrument procurement likely requiring significant investment.