Rotational Rheometer 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
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Office of Pharmaceutical Quality (OPQ) is seeking a Rotational Rheometer System to replace aging equipment and support advanced bioprocessing research and development activities. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) for a newly manufactured, turn-key system. The requirement is for Full and Open competition. Quotes are due by June 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM Central Time.
Scope of Work
The FDA requires one (1) complete, turn-key Rotational Rheometer System. The system must be newly manufactured, the latest model, and not used, refurbished, or previously used for demonstration. Key technical requirements include:
- Frictionless brushless DC servo air bearing motor with specific oscillation, frequency, and rotational rate ranges.
- Torque/force rebalance transducer with specified measurement ranges and accuracy.
- High-precision stepper motor and encoder for gap travel measurement.
- Peltier-controlled temperature system (-10 to 150°C) with interchangeable geometries.
- Forced Convection Oven (FCO) with a temperature range of approximately -150 to 600°C.
- Support for various testing modes: steady shear, oscillatory, transient, non-linear rheology, extensional viscosity, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).
- High-speed data acquisition capability and integrated software for control, acquisition, and advanced analysis.
- A minimum one (1) year comprehensive warranty.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price.
- Period of Acceptance: Prices must be held firm through September 30, 2026.
- FOB Destination: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA. Quotes must be inclusive of all shipping, handling, delivery, installation, and training charges.
- NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees).
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted / Full and Open competition.
- Quotes Due: June 12, 2026, by 1:00 PM Central Time.
- Published Date: June 4, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
Quotes/proposals must be submitted via email to howard.nesmith@fda.hhs.gov. Offerors must include their SAM Unique Entity ID (UEI) with the quotation. Evaluation will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology. Technical acceptability will be determined by reviewing descriptive material to ensure the proposed system meets all technical requirements, followed by price evaluation.
Additional Notes
The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and HHSAR clauses by reference, including those related to ICT accessibility (Section 508) and the Buy American Act. Electronic submissions should not contain macros. No advance payment will be made; payment terms are Net 30 Days After Government Acceptance of Supplies/Services, with invoices submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).