Pipette Calibration System

Amendment / Modification

This document is an addendum to the solicitation, providing "52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS." It details the preparation and submission requirements for proposals.

• Format: Proposals must be submitted in two separate electronic volumes:

  • Volume I: Completed RFQ with pricing.
  • Volume II: Technical Proposal.

• Submission Method: Both volumes must be submitted electronically as a .pdf compatible attachment through DoD SAFE.

• Page Limitations: Volume I has no page limit. Volume II has a 50-page limit.

• Formatting Requirements:

  • Font: No less than 12 point.
  • Page Size: 8.5 x 11 inches.
  • Margins: No smaller than 1 inch (top/bottom) and 3/4-inch (sides).
  • Page Numbering: Sequential by volume.
  • Proprietary Information: Should be marked on each page.
  • Legend: Each page must include the "SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION--SEE FAR 2.101 and 3.104 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY" legend.

• File Format: MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint (2016 or earlier), or Adobe PDF. PDF files must enable textual search and copy functions. Macros or embedded objects are not permitted.

• Timeliness: Files must be timestamped by the offer due date and time. Offerors bear the risk of untimely submission.

• Proposal Validity: Proposals must be valid for 90 days from the RFQ closing date.

• All exchanges of information are controlled by the Contracting Officer.

• Initial proposal packages must be submitted via DoD SAFE.

• Encrypted email may be used for subsequent communications, requiring prior certificate exchange with the Contracting Officer.

• Must include a cover letter detailing any exceptions to RFQ terms and conditions.

• All "fill-in" clauses and provisions, including proposed prices, must be completed.

• Must be clear, concise, and provide sufficient detail for evaluation.

• Should not merely restate requirements but offer convincing rationale for meeting them.

• Must include a written response to EACH paragraph of the Purchase Description (26M-632A-MA, Rev. 2 dated 16 December 2025), supported by technical literature.

• Must identify potential safety hazards and mitigation strategies.

This addendum significantly impacts proposal preparation by defining the structure, format, submission method, and content requirements for both pricing and technical proposals. Failure to comply may result in an unfavorable evaluation or rejection.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to Solicitation FA226326Q0003, dated 18 Mar 2026, corrects an instruction to offerors regarding proposal submission.

• The "Addendum 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS" attachment has been revised.

• The previous version was dated 12 Mar 2026 and had a URL identifier of 73228041.

• The revised version is dated 20 Mar 2026 and has a URL identifier of 73425563.

• The amendment clarifies that a "proposal evaluation unit" is not required, correcting a previous erroneous instruction.

• Offerors should refer to the revised "Addendum 52.212-1 Instruction to Offerors - Commercial Items" for accurate submission guidance.

Amendment / Modification

This document is an addendum to the "Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items" (ITO) for the solicitation.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: Offers must be received no later than April 20, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT.
• Submission Method: All proposals must be submitted electronically via DoD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil/). Emailed offers will not be accepted.
• File Format: Files should be in a format readable by Microsoft Word 2016 or earlier, Excel 2016 or earlier, PowerPoint 2016 or earlier, or Adobe PDF. PDF files must enable textual search and copy functions.
• Timestamping: Uploaded files must be timestamped by the offer due date and time. Offerors bear the risk of untimely submissions.
• Proposal Validity: Proposals must be valid for 120 days from the RFQ closing date.
• Unit Evaluation: Units for evaluation must be the exact unit proposed and delivered to AFMETCAL by the proposal deadline. Offerors bear the cost of shipping and returning units.
• Price Competition: The Contracting Officer has determined there is a high probability of adequate price competition. However, offerors may be required to submit cost data if this determination changes.
• Proposal Content: Proposals should be clear, concise, and provide convincing rationale. Offerors should not simply rephrase requirements. The Technical Volume should include a written response with supporting technical literature.
• Page Limitations: Page limitations are maximums and excess pages will not be read or considered. Page size is 8.5 x 11 inches, with 12-point font and 1-inch margins.
• Pricing: Pricing information must be in the Proposal Documentation volume. Unbalanced pricing may lead to rejection.
• Exceptions: Offerors must clearly identify any exceptions to solicitation requirements and provide rationale.
• DoD Rated Order: This is a DO-A70 rated order.

This addendum provides critical instructions regarding proposal submission deadlines, methods, formats, and content. Offerors must adhere to these updated guidelines to ensure their proposals are considered.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides a list of anticipated delivery locations for units that are direct ship to the PMEL. It is intended to assist offerors in determining the cost of FOB Destination shipments.

• The list includes the following locations:
  • AFMETCAL Engineering, Heath OH
  • Edwards AFB, CA
  • Randolph AFB, TX
  • Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
• This list is subject to change.
• More than one unit may be shipped to a single location.
• The attachment will be removed at the time of award.
• Specific addresses will be added via modification if ordered.

This information is crucial for bidders to accurately calculate shipping costs and understand potential delivery points for the Pipette Calibration Systems. Offerors should note that the list is subject to change and specific addresses will be provided later.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), outlines the specific data items required from a contractor for the "Pipette Calibration System" opportunity. It details the type, format, and submission requirements for these data items.

• Data Item A001 (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Manual): Requires a final manual on CD/DVD in indexed Portable Document Format (iPDF) within 30 days of contract award. If manuals are available electronically, a file or web link can be sent to a specified email address. This manual is to be delivered concurrently with the first production unit.
• Data Item A002 (Technical Data Package - TDP): Requires a 2-dimensional (2D) engineering drawing in accordance with MIL-STD-31000B paragraph 5.4.1.4, delivered on CD/DVD in Indexed Portable Document Format (iPDF) concurrently with the first production unit.
• Data Item B001 (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Manual): Requires one set of manuals on CD/DVD in indexed Portable Document Format (iPDF) to be shipped with each production unit.

This CDRL specifies the documentation deliverables expected from the contractor. Bidders must understand these requirements to accurately estimate the effort and cost associated with producing and delivering these technical manuals and data packages in the specified formats (iPDF, CD/DVD) and by the specified deadlines (e.g., within 30 days of award, concurrent with production units).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Purchase Description for a Pipette Calibration System intended for use at USAF PMELs. The system will be used to perform gravimetric calibrations of pipettes in accordance with ISO8655:2022, with a measurement range of 2 µL to 5 mL. It is intended to replace the Mettler-Toledo XPE26PC.

• ISO8655:2022 Compliance: The Pipette Balance must comply with ISO8655:2022 for piston-operated volumetric devices (2 µL to 5 mL).

• Waste Container Volume: Minimum 50 mL.

• Reliability: Maintain ISO8655:2022 repeatability specification for a minimum of 12 months.

• Stabilization Time: Maximum 10 seconds for individual readings.

• Environmental Monitoring: An integrated station to measure applicable environmental data is required.

• Calibration Requirements: All necessary software and tools for calibration must be provided.

• Components: Must use commercial parts and materials consistent with a precision laboratory instrument, designed for reliability, maintainability, and ease of operation.

• Controller Requirements: Must operate on Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 LTSC 64-bit OS, with minimum 8 GB memory, 120 GB SSD, integrated USB 3.0, and support for external video. Lenovo brand controllers are not acceptable.

• Software/Firmware: Must be designed and validated for ISO 8655:2022 compliance, including pipette identification, definition, tracking, automated calculations (mean volume dispensed, systematic error, random error, uncertainty), and reporting. Must support gravimetric calibration methods and allow for customizable reports and data export (CSV, Excel, PDF). A perpetual software license is required.

• Warranty: Minimum three (3) years from the date of acceptance.

• Installation: Contractor is responsible for on-site installation.

• Training: Provided for up to four people for two days, covering operation, use, and software functions.

• Testing: Item will be inspected and accepted at destination. Tests will ensure specified performance parameters are met.

• Data Requirements: User/service manuals (iPDF on CD/DVD-ROM), and 2D engineering drawings are required.

Not specified in this document.

• This document is Revision 2, dated 16 December 2025.
• It is identified as Attachment 1.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of Pipette Calibration Systems. The Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory (AFMETCAL) has a requirement for these systems to support their mission.

• Pipette Calibration System IAW PD 26M-632A-MA Rev 2 dated 16 December 2025.

• Includes a 3-year standard warranty.

• First Production Unit requires Government Testing and approval.

• Delivery of one unit within 90 calendar days of award for first production tests.

• Subsequent production units and option quantities to be delivered according to specified schedules.

• Technical Data Package (TDP) and Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Manuals are required deliverables.

• Unique item identification and marking requirements are specified.

• The solicitation is for commercial products and commercial services.

• The contract type is not explicitly stated but implies Firm Fixed Price for CLINs 0001 and 0002, with potential for Firm Fixed Price for option CLINs.

• The period of performance for the initial unit is 90 days from award. Option periods extend through September 2027.

• Funding for 3 additional units is not currently budgeted but will be acquired as funding becomes available.

• Offer Due Date: 20 April 2026, 02:00 PM Local Time.

• Proposals will be evaluated based on Technical Acceptability and Price. Technical Acceptability is significantly more important than cost or price.

• Evaluation of options will be performed by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement.

• Specific instructions for offerors are provided in Attachment 4 (Addendum 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS).

• The acquisition is currently set aside as UNRESTRICTED.

• Information regarding HUBZone Small Business concerns and price evaluation preference is included.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 334516 with a size standard.

• Payment requests and receiving reports must be submitted electronically via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).

• Several FAR and DFARS clauses are incorporated by reference and in full text, covering various aspects of the contract, including payment, unique item identification, and representations and certifications.