The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to determine the availability of qualified businesses capable of providing a real-time PCR instrument capable of running experiments in laboratory settings as well as field-based applications (e.g., not connected to computer). as described in the attached Salient Characteristics. This sources sought announcement is not a request for quote or proposal and the Government is not committed to award of a purchase order or contract pursuant to this announcement. The information resulting from this market research is simply for planning purposes to assist the Government in determining its acquisition strategy. The Government will not pay for any costs incurred in the preparation of information for responding to this notice.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334513 Measuring Device and associated size standard 750 employees apply to this announcement apply to this announcement.

All responsible sources may submit a brochure and/or technical specifications detailing the ability of their product to meet the salient characteristics included with this announcement.

Responses to this announcement shall only be accepted through electronic mail addressed to glewando@usgs.gov and must be uploaded and received in their entirety no later than Noon July 22, 2024 ED. Responses submitted other than electronic mail shall not be accepted or considered.


Salient Characteristics



The government requires an optical system that allows excitation and detection of four fluorescent dyes per well so that gene expression analysis can be performed on multiple targets per sample. This allows continuity of sample analysis and that being done with collaborators. Work requires not only excitation and diction of fluorescent dyes but that of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for quantitative and species-specific detection of fish pathogens. In addition, the ability to operate in a stand-alone configuration that can connect using wireless network for running and retrieving data is beneficial. Operationally, the government requires a real-time PCR instrument that does not require regular calibration or specific maintenance, this is an important feature. The system should continue to operate and finish a run if the software is stopped or interrupted to prevent run data from being lost due to unintentional interruption. This function is especially valuable for field applications. The use of a fixed optical path is beneficial for eliminating normalization due to positional bias and reducing probability of spectral interference.

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