Notice Type: Sources Sought Notice

Notice#: 1133487 - DAC Mixer

This is a Sources Sought notice Only. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. This Sources Sought is issued for information and planning purposes only as part of USDA ARS Market Research and does not itself constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ).

NAICS: 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

PSC: : 6640 Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

Requirements

Objective: The Dairy and Functional Foods Research (DFFR): Wyndmoor, PA, has a requirement for a Dual Asymmetric Centrifuge (DAC) Mixer.

Background: The DFFR project entails designing formulations for edible films and structures from dairy components, such as caseinates, whey, milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, etc. This involves mixing of proteinaceous powders in aqueous solvents typically in concentrations of greater than 12%, when physiological concentrations of such proteins in milk are below 4%. The powders thus take considerable time to fully dissolve while mixing via stirring. The process is further complicated with the tendency of these protein powders to form clumps that are very hard to stir into solution if care is not taken while mixing. Heating may be required so that constant supervision is needed throughout the stirring process. Moreover, formulations with protein concentrations high enough to maintain shape also tend to have large viscosities, making them hard to stir. All of these complications would be solved by use of a DAC mixer. Such a mixer operates by centrifuging a sample while spinning the sample counter to the centrifugation motion. Our formulations are easily, quickly, and consistently mixed with a DAC mixer, and using a DAC mixer would allow for the creation of formulations with even higher solids contents with enhanced properties.

Specifications: DAC Mixer

The minimum specifications include:

• A capacity for mixing at least 500 g of material at once.
• Variable centrifugal speed of at least up to 1500 rpm.
• Internal strobe light synchronized to sample during the spin that allows for visualization of the sample during mixing to facilitate method development.
• Variable counter-rotation.
• Temperature control including chilled air cooling.
• Ability to monitor temperature of the sample during mixing.
• Capability of applying vacuum to mixing chamber and sample to remove air bubbles in sample.
• Holders and containers designed for sample sizes to cover a range of at least 50 to 300 g.

Delivery Location:

US Dept of Agriculture

600 E. Mermaid Ln

Wyndmoor, PA. 19038

• Point of Contact: (Provided at time of award)

QTY 1

Delivery Date

60 Days After Award

Additional Requirements

Manufacturer Warranty: minimum 1 year standard warranty

The Contractor Shall:

This Sources Sought is only for the purpose of identifying potential sources as part of USDA ARS market research. The Government does not intend to make an award based on responses to this inquiry. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government.

Responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible.

The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of qualified sources including any Small Businesses; HUBZone small business; service-disabled, veteran-owned small business; 8(a) small business; veteran-owned small business; woman-owned small business; or small disadvantaged businesses. Please state if you are a large business or a small business according to the NAICS code listed in this Sources Sought.

All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government.

Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response defines how it can specifically meet the specifications for the items requested. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After reviewing the responses received, a Combined Synopsis solicitation notice may be published on Sam.gov.

Submit the Following:

• Capability Statement and/or product descriptions that demonstrate your ability to meet all of the specific. requirements, including Company Contact Info.
• SAM.gov UEI Number.
• Identify if you are a large business or a small business with NACIS Code.
• State place of manufacture for item(s).

Original Point of Contact: All responses to this Sources Sought Notice must be received by See Posting Information, the specified due date and time to be considered.

Email responses to Tiffany Pimble: at tiffany.pimble@usda.gov.

Responses will not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Inquiry.

Do not submit pricing information in response to this Request.

-End-

Attachments/Links