PlanktonCare consumables and 1-year tech support package for 2 Government owned PBR 2500L Dual Algae Bioreactors used to produce algae cultures for oyster food

Sources Sought Notice 1232SA25Q0160 A market survey is being conducted to determine if there are adequate Small Business, SBA certified HUBZone, SBA-certified 8(a), Women-Owned, or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) contractors available for a proposed project who meet the specific criteria 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 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 limit competition to 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, Women-Owned, or other small business firms, or to proceed with issuing an unrestricted solicitation, inviting full and open competition.

The USDA, ARS, National Cold Water Aquaculture Center (NCWMAC) at 469 CBLS 120 Flagg Road in Kingston, Rhode Island has a requirement for PlanktonCare consumables and 1-year tech support package for 2 Government owned PBR 2500L Dual Algae Bioreactors used to produce algae cultures for oyster food.

The package shall include all consumable supplies including filters, tubing, couplers, clamps, probes, springs, valves, lubricants, and one year of 24 hour a day technical support for PBR 1250L, serial #s 0172, and 0173. The NAICS code is 334516- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing. The small business size standard that indicates what is considered a small business for this NAICS code is 1,000 employees.

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.

Responses should be submitted by July 18, 2025, to the attention of Brian Brusky, Contract Specialist at the address above. Questions should be directed to Brian Brusky, brian.brusky@usda.gov or (608) 215-2837.