Eppendorf laboratory supplies and services

Presolicitation Notice: 12639526Q0167 
This is a presolicitation notice issued in accordance with FAR Overhaul subpart 5.101, Presolicitation.
Point of contact: Julia Lackey, julia.lackey@usda.gov, Contract Specialist USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Set-asides: No set-aside 
Codes for services:

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

 Product Service Code (PSC): 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

Description: See the attached Statement of Work
RFO FAR 12.201-1 Simplified procedures will be used for awarding the contract. The anticipated award date is June 15th, 2026.

The intended source for this acquisition is Eppendorf North America, Inc.175 Freshwater Blvd. Enfield, Connecticut 06082-4444.

Eppendorf has unique qualifications for this acquisition because they are the only manufacturer and seller of Eppendorf products and services. There is no other option to buy or maintain these items. Equipment Servicing is an integral part of this contract.

All responsible sources may submit a response which will be considered by the agency. Please email responses to julia.lackey@usda.gov requests must be submitted no later than June 10th at 12:00 PM Eastern. Quotes will be solicited directly from suppliers in accordance with FAR Overhaul subpart 12.201-1(c)(2). Telephonic inquiries will not be honored.
Award Type:

It is anticipated that a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order will be awarded from this presolicitation

Basis on which Selection will be made:

Award Method:  Lowst Price, Technically Acceptable

Quotations will be evaluated based on the criteria listed below.  Award will be made to the quoter that represents the best value to the Government based on the following criteria:

Evaluation Criteria

The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

Technical Acceptability:  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires the following items on a brand name basis.

• Item Name/Model: See attached Statement of Work
• Manufacturer: Eppendorf

Technical Acceptability will be evaluated to determine an overall rating of “acceptable” or “unacceptable”.  Technical Acceptability will be evaluated on the ability of the offeror to provide new manufactured commercial items from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or an OEM approved source.  To be considered technically acceptable, the quoted product must:

Be the exact brand name, make, and model number specified in the solicitation.

Include sufficient documentation (e.g., manufacturer quote, datasheet, or product listing) to confirm the product offered is the exact item requested. 

Be new (not refurbished or remanufactured) and meet all delivery requirements stated in the solicitation.

Quotations offering alternate, substitute, or “equal” products will not be considered and will be deemed technically unacceptable.

Only quotations determined to be technically acceptable will be considered for award.

Price: Any quantity price discounts and discounts for prompt payment should be included in this section. Any quantity price discounts and discounts for prompt payment should be included in this section.  Total price evaluation will be for the base period, all option periods and in accordance with FAR 52.217-8, up to a six-month extension period.  Failure to propose pricing for the base period and all option periods on individual line items may result in a quotation being excluded from further consideration.  

Past Performance:  

The Government may utilize any references provided by the Contractor, along with information available from past contracts/orders with the USDA and any information found using sources such as Federal Government sources or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine if the Contractor has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:  

• Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness, cost control, business relations, and adherence to contract terms.  
• Neutral: Offeror does not have a past performance record. 
• Unacceptable:  The contractor has a documented history of failing to meet contract requirements, including poor quality, missed deadlines, cost overruns, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.  

Evaluation Method: 

All quotations will be evaluated to identify the offeror presenting the most technically advantageous solution based on the stated evaluation criteria.  Once the highest technically rated offeror is identified, their price will be evaluated to determine whether it is fair and reasonable.  Past performance will also be assessed to ensure it is acceptable or neutral. 

Award will be made to the offeror whose proposal is determined to be the highest technically rated, provided that: 

• The proposed price is fair and reasonable, and 

• Past performance is assessed as acceptable or neutral. 

Award will not necessarily be made to the lowest-priced offeror.  Tradeoffs will not be conducted.