Aqualab VSA Vapor Sorption Analyzer

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on behalf of USDA Agricultural Research Service intends to award a firm-fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to Addium, Inc (1300 NE Henley Court, Ste. 6, Pullman WA 99163-56662) for the procurement of (1) Aqualab VSA Vapor Sorption Analyzer Part #40430; (1) VSA Service Training Part #50194; (1) Aqualab WVTR Testing Kit Part #40237; (1) Moisture Analysis Toolkit 3.0 Part #50229; (1) Aqualab Stainless Steel Cups Part #40314; and shipping if applicable.

Statutory Authority This purchase is being conducted under the authority of FAR 12. The FSIS has determined that Addium, Inc. is the only source reasonably available to satisfy this requirement of the Aqualab VSA Vapor Sorption Analyzer from Addium, Inc. because of their unique capabilities exclusive to their product. The Aqualab VSA can perform dynamic dewpoint isotherms, which is proprietary.

Unlike the conventional dynamic vapor sorption isotherm method, dynamic dewpoint isotherms are independent of sample equilibration for setting water activities, allowing for increased precision and detection of inflection points in isotherm curves indicative of critical relative humidities. This would allow us to determine appropriate storage conditions that do not lead to migration of components and deterioration in product quality, such as with sugar blooming.

Since this is a proprietary method, no other vapor sorption analyzer on the market has these capabilities. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. It’s a synopsis for informational purposes only. However, any responsible source that believes it can meet this requirement may submit a capability statement, which shall be considered by the agency. Responses must include:

1. Company Name and CAGE Code.

2. Technical description of how the proposed alternative meets all requirements listed above. Responses will be used to determine if a competitive procurement is necessary, at the discretion of the Contracting Officer.