# Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Acquisition of Gel/Membrane Digital Imager and Analysis System

Canonical: https://abierto.us/opportunities/1175141

- Solicitation number: 1175141
- Notice type: Special notice
- Status: Awarded to Azure Biosystems Inc.
- Department: Department of Agriculture
- Agency: Forest Service
- Contracting office: Usda-Fs, Csa East 6 (124445)
- NAICS: 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Product or service code: 6640 Laboratory Equipment and Supplies
- Place of performance: Ames, Iowa
- First posted: August 26, 2026
- Last posted: August 26, 2026
- SAM.gov: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/a28b8abb805a4721aceaaf91a6f9cb73/view

## Description

The USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, IA, intends to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract to Azure Biosystems, Inc. (Unique Entity ID: HL4SNBDGMQG5) for the acquisition of one (1) Azure 300 Gel/Membrane Digital Imager and Analysis System (Product No. AZI300-01), along with a color trans-white light table bundle, image analysis software, and required shipping.

**Statutory Authority:** This acquisition is being conducted under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), soliciting from a single source for purchases not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT).

**Rationale:** Market research indicates that Azure Biosystems is the only known manufacturer capable of providing a digital imager that meets all agency baseline specifications—specifically a space-saving footprint not exceeding 50 x 60 x 40 cm (W x H x D), a built-in touchscreen computer running internal capture software (operating independently without requiring an active internet connection), an integrated 9.1 MP CCD sensor cooled to -50°C below ambient, dual-wavelength UV transillumination (302nm/365nm), and automatic image focusing. Alternate systems identified do not fit the established lab footprint constraint or possess inferior camera capabilities.

**Responses:** This notice is not a request for competitive proposals or quotations. However, responsible sources who believe they can fully provide an equivalent system meeting all exact dimensions and technical thresholds may submit a written capability statement. Capability statements must be received by the closing date of this notice and sent via email to Michael J. Wheelock at Michael.Wheelock@usda.gov. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based upon responses is solely within the discretion of the Government.

## Award on USAspending

- Recipient: Azure Biosystems Inc. (UEI HL4SNBDGMQG5)
- Contract: 12444526P0093, purchase order
- Obligated: $23,550.01
- Competition: Not Competed Under SAP, 1 offers received
- Link: solicitation number 1175141 equals the FPDS solicitation identifier; same awarding office 124445 (high confidence)
- Record: https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_12444526P0093_12C2_-NONE-_-NONE-/


## Publications

- August 26, 2026: Special notice, due September 1, 2026 at 1:00 AM EDT. Notice a28b8abb805a4721aceaaf91a6f9cb73. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/a28b8abb805a4721aceaaf91a6f9cb73/view

## Points of contact

- Jordan Wheelock, Michael.Wheelock@usda.gov
- Nicole Scott, nicole.scott@usda.gov, 7036054655

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Source: SAM.gov Contract Opportunities bulk extract and USAspending.gov award data. Confirm deadlines on SAM.gov before responding. Cite https://abierto.us/opportunities/1175141.