Portable Cryostat with UV Capability – Market Research for Made In America Act Compliant Availability 12639526SL001
Summary
AI-generated · Mar 21, 2026A market research (sources sought) request to determine whether a domestically produced, Made in America Act–compliant portable bench-top cryostat with UV decontamination can meet a detailed set of specifications for USDA APHIS. The device must support precision histology in cold conditions and include a single refrigeration system to maintain the chamber at about 30C, a manual microtome with a 2–12 µm sectioning range, a quick-freeze system that reaches 40C with a digital display, and programmable automatic defrost. The cutting chamber should be polished stainless steel with detachable cold storage components, and the cabinet should be built from ABS polymer and rustproof steel coated with PVC. Specimen orientation must be adjustable from 0–12 degrees and operated via manual handwheel. It must accept disposable long-life blades compatible with a standard knife holder (Magnacut or equivalent) to produce high-quality sections similar to a full-size cryostat. Included accessories and components (minimum) cover a range of items such as anti-roll plates, object holders, blade tools, detachable shelf, debris tray, fuses, low-temperature grease, cryospray, embedding compound, insulated cover, operating manual, and a suitable knife holder and blades.
Optional items may include a UV decontamination module (night-UV unit) and a tungsten carbide cutting tool for bone sectioning. Respondents must be U.S. manufacturers or distributors with Made in America Act–compliant products and provide company information, a capability statement addressing each salient characteristic, evidence of U.S. manufacture, technical literature or datasheets, availability/lead times and warranty, and a description of any areas where the specifications cannot be met and why. Submissions should be sent with the specified subject line to the designated USDA contact.
SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE Portable Cryostat with UV Capability Market Research for Domestic Availability This Sources Sought Notice is issued under FAR Part 10 to determine whether a government registered vendor can meet the required specifications listed below for equipment required by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is NOT a solicitation, and no award will be made from this notice. The Government is seeking information from vendors capable of providing the salient characteristics below. The USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is conducting market research to determine the availability of a portable cryostat system that meets the Made in America Act and the minimum specifications described below. This Sources Sought Notice may support a potential Nonavailability Determination if no domestic product meets these requirements. NAICS and PSC Codes NAICS: 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PSC: 6640 Laboratory Equipment and Supplies Minimum Required Technical Specifications The Government requires a bench?top, portable cryostat system fitted with UV decontamination system capable of precision histological sectioning under cold conditions. The system must meet or exceed all of the following salient characteristics: Cryostat System Requirements Bench?top, portable cryostat instrument designed for laboratory or field support use. Single refrigeration system capable of maintaining chamber temperatures of approximately 30C. Manual microtome with a feed range of 2 12 micrometers (m) per section. Specimen quick?freeze system capable of reaching 40C, with digital temperature display. Programmable automatic defrost functionality built into the cryostat chamber. Cutting chamber constructed of polished stainless steel, including: Detachable cold storage bar Detachable storage shelf Cabinet constructed of ABS polymer and rustproof steel, coated with PVC for resistance to scratches, solvents, and detergents. Specimen Orientation: Adjustable tilt angle 0-12 degrees. Operation via manual handwheel (not powered). System must accept and use disposable long?life blades compatible with a standard knife holder (Magnacut?type or equivalent). System should enable production of high?quality sections similar to those produced by a full?size cryostat. Required Accessories and Components The system must include, at a minimum, the following components and accessories (all listed in the uploaded documentation): Standard Accessories Anti?roll plate Two (2) object holders Knife cleaning brush Detachable shelf Debris tray Blade removal tool Spare set of fuses Low?temperature grease Cryospray freezing spray Cryo?M?Bed embedding compound Insulated cover Operating manual Knife Holder and Blade Requirements Magnacut knife holder (or equivalent) Ten (10) long?life disposable blades (C?profile acceptable) Optional UV Decontamination Module (Government May Require) Ultraviolet night decontamination unit consisting of: Night?time plug Power supply Germicidal UV lamp Optional Cutting Tool Tungsten carbide?tipped knife, approx. 228 38 6 mm, suitable for bone sectioning (resharpened at manufacturer only). Information Requested from Respondents USDA is seeking responses from U.S. manufacturers and distributors of Made in America Act compliant sources who can provide a portable cryostat meeting the specifications above. Respondents must submit: Company information (UEI, address, business size, manufacturing location). Technical capability statement addressing each salient characteristic listed. Evidence that the product is manufactured in the United States. Technical literature, datasheets, or product documentation. Availability/lead time and warranty information. Description of any areas where specifications cannot be met, and why. Submission Instructions Submit responses via email with subject line: Sources Sought Response Portable Cryostat with UV Capability Send to: samuel.lopez@usda.gov Response Due Date: 5:00 P.M. MT on 3 April 2026
From Sources Sought posted on Mar 20, 2026Notice history
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Not yet awarded
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USA