The USDA, ARS, LSO intends to purchase an automated, computer controlled, microbiological growth curve analysis system.  The system must be an all-in-one, walk-away design that includes a shaker, temperature controlled incubator, light source, filter wheel, plate reader, and customizable data analysis software.  The system must be able to grow and evaluate in real-time the growth responses of microbes under a range of temperatures, all within a single contained system that is hands-free once the incubation begins.

Key features of the system must include:

•·        Absorption photometer to measure turbidity.

•·        Accurate incubator control for temperature range of 1 to 60°C (temperature variation minimal, within +/- 0.1°C).

•·        System must be capable of long-term experiments lasting weeks.

•·        Software designed for the system to convert OD measurements into growth curve plots.

•·        System specific microplate format that ensures no condensation or evaporation of the samples and no cross-contamination.

•·        Microplates must be heated from both the bottom and the top.

•·        Microplate covers must remain on for the duration of the experiment to ensure sample integrity.

•·        System must be able to measure up to 200 samples at one time.

•·        System must be able to perform both aerobic and anaerobic applications.

The government anticipates award of a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the specifications will be most advantageous to the Government.  PAYMENT: Any award made under this solicitation is subject to 31 CFR Part 208 which requires all payments made by the government to be made by electronic funds transfer. Please note on your proposal if you will accept a government purchase (VISA) card.  This solicitation incorporates the following FAR clauses, provisions and addendums:   52-212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Item; 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items - annual representations and certifications are required.  Offers shall include a statement as follows on their offer: the offeror verifies by submission of this offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically at https://www.sam.gov have been entered or updated in the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference, except for paragraphs ______________;  52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items;  52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statues or Executive Orders-Commercial Items. In paragraph B of 52.212-5, the following apply:  52.219-28, 52.222-3, 52.222-19, 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-36, 52.225-3, 52.225-13, and 52.225-33.  In the event the vendor will accept payment via the Government Purchase Card (VISA), the vendor shall annotate on its offer that it will accept the purchase card, and clause 52.232-33 will be superseded by clause 52.232-36. All sources wishing to provide a quotation must respond by 5:00 PM, September 4, 2015.  Quotations should be addressed to USDA, ARS, LSO 950 College Station Rd, Athens, GA 30605.  POC is Kelly Bero, Purchasing Agent, 706/546-3025. Faxed or emailed responses are acceptable.  All responses will be evaluated to determine the equipment's capability to meet the above requirements.