Flexible Film Materials Testing System - Brand Name Instron Model 68TM-5 or Equal

PROCUREMENT OVERVIEW:
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking to procure a Flexible Film Materials Testing System, specifically the Brand Name Instron Model 68TM-5 or an equivalent product. The core need of this procurement is to enhance the capabilities of the USDA ARS in testing flexible film materials, which is critical for research and development in agricultural applications. The system will be utilized to evaluate the mechanical properties of various flexible films, aiding in the advancement of agricultural technologies.

ISSUING ORGANIZATION:
The issuing organization is the USDA Agricultural Research Service, located in Maryland, USA. The primary contact for this opportunity is Shane Pope, who can be reached via email at [email protected].

KEY DATES:

• Posted Date: August 5, 2026
• Proposal Due Date: August 17, 2026
• Anticipated Award Date: Not specified
• Performance Period: Not specified

CONTRACT DETAILS:
The contract type is not explicitly stated in the provided information. There is no estimated contract value or budget range mentioned, nor are there any option years indicated.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
Bidders must meet the following mandatory requirements to be considered eligible:

• Registration in SAM.gov is required.
• There are no specific security clearances mentioned.
• No set-aside restrictions (such as 8(a), HUBZone, etc.) are indicated.
• No geographic restrictions or place-of-performance requirements are specified.
• Minimum years of experience or past performance requirements are not detailed.
• No bonding or insurance requirements are mentioned.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES:
Bidders must demonstrate specific technical capabilities related to the procurement of flexible film materials testing systems. This includes familiarity with the Instron Model 68TM-5 or equivalent systems, as well as expertise in mechanical testing methodologies relevant to flexible films.

DELIVERABLES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
The key deliverables and performance standards are not explicitly outlined in the provided information. Bidders should be prepared to define their deliverables based on the capabilities of the proposed testing system and the needs of the USDA ARS.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
The evaluation criteria for proposals have not been detailed in the provided information. Bidders should anticipate that proposals will be evaluated based on technical approach, past performance, and price, but specific weighting or criteria are not provided.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
While not mandatory, preferred qualifications that may provide a competitive advantage include:

• Experience with similar testing systems or technologies.
• Certifications related to quality management or testing standards that align with agricultural research needs.
• Demonstrated past performance in providing similar equipment or services.

This summary captures the essential details necessary for bidders to assess their fit for this procurement opportunity with the USDA ARS.