Controlled Atmosphere Storage System
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
This Award Notice pertains to a past solicitation by the USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) for a Controlled Atmosphere Storage System to be delivered to Kearneysville, WV. The solicitation was a Request for Quotation (RFQ), set aside for Total Small Businesses, and sought a firm-fixed-price purchase order. Quotes were due on May 12, 2026, and the award notice was published on June 10, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement was for a Controlled Atmosphere Storage System for the Appalachian Fruit Research Station (AFRS) horticultural laboratory. The system is intended for research and analysis on postharvest storage of pome fruits. It needed to create, maintain, and monitor controlled atmospheric environments for fruit samples.
Key Requirements
The system required a modular design with multiple, independent chambers (pods) and individually controllable atmospheric conditions. It needed automated closed-loop control for O2 and CO2, integrated sensing and data logging capabilities (exportable to CSV/Excel), and a hermetically sealed environment. Compatibility with existing climate-controlled facilities (0-4 degrees C), durable clear construction, sealed access ports, and high-quality gaskets were essential. Performance specifications included O2 control (0.1%-30%) and CO2 control (0%-30%) with ±0.2% accuracy, a central controller with an intuitive user interface, precision gas flow control, and safety alarms.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order (under FAR Part 12)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS: 333415 (Refrigeration And Air Conditioning Components)
- Size Standard: 1,250 employees
- Place of Performance: Kearneysville, WV 25430
- Delivery: Within 45 days after award
Submission & Evaluation (Past Solicitation)
Quotes were due by May 12, 2026, at 0900 ET. Evaluation was based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria. Technical acceptability was assessed on an "acceptable" or "unacceptable" basis, and past performance was also considered. Bidders were required to price all CLINs, complete the SF1449 form as instructed (including Block 20 checkbox), and address Buy American Certificate and Place of Manufacture provisions.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the original solicitation, the primary point of contact was Christopher Turner at christopher.c.turner@usda.gov.