Sources Sought - Fluorescence Microscope

Sources Sought #1172160-SS

This is a Sources Sought notice Only. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. This Sources Sought is issued for information and planning purposes only as part of USDA ARS market research and does not itself constitute an RFQ.

General Information

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service, Houma, LA has a need for a Compound Microscope (Olympus BX53) with Phase Contrast and Fluorescent Capabilities. This instrumentation is vital for investigating infection mechanisms through the use of fluorescent protein-tagged fungal and bacterial pathogens in sugarcane, as well as for routine disease diagnosis and pathogen morphology study. Timely identification and study of pathogen introduction are critical to preventing disease establishment and developing management strategies that support farmers, stakeholders, and the overall sugarcane industry. Thus, this instrument is vital in day-to-day laboratory activities. The requested Olympus BX53 from Evident/Olympus is the only known configuration that meets these specific technical requirements. Detailed product specifications and requirements are attached.

This Sources Sought is only for the purpose of identifying potential sources as part of USDA ARS market research. The Government does not intend to make an award based on responses to this inquiry. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government.

Responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible.

The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of qualified sources including any Small Businesses; HUBZone small business; service-disabled, veteran-owned small business; 8(a) small business; veteran-owned small business; woman-owned small business; and small disadvantaged businesses. This is also to obtain information on the availability of domestically available end-products. Please state if you are a large business or a small business according to the NAICS code listed in this Sources Sought.

All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government.

Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response defines how it can specifically meet the specifications for the items requested. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After reviewing the responses received, a Combined Synopsis Solicitation notice may be published on Sam.gov.

Submit ALL the Following in order to be a valid response to this Sources Sought Notice:

1. Capability Statement that demonstrates your ability to meet all of the specific requirements of Statement of Work and must include Company Contact Info.

2. SAM.gov UEI Number.

3. Identify if you are a Large business or a Small business with NACIS 541720. 4. Country of origin for the product

Original Point of Contact: All responses to this Sources Sought Notice must be received by September 7, 2026 by 12:00 PM ET, the specified due date and time to be considered and must include all items requested above.

Email responses to Kyle Link at kyle.link@usda.gov.

Responses will not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Inquiry.

Do not submit pricing information in response to this Request.