Portable Cryostat with UV Capability – Market Research for Made In America Act Compliant Availability

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 –30°C.
• Manual microtome with a feed range of 2–12 micrometers (µm) per section.
• Specimen quick‑freeze system capable of reaching –40°C, 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:

1. Company information (UEI, address, business size, manufacturing location).
2. Technical capability statement addressing each salient characteristic listed.
3. Evidence that the product is manufactured in the United States.
4. Technical literature, datasheets, or product documentation.
5. Availability/lead time and warranty information.
6. 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