SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE-Paddle blender/ribbon blender for the USDA, ARS in Fort Pierce, FL

Sources are being sought to determine if there are manufacturers/contractors available offering a domestically sourced item that meets the minimum description outlined below. This is not a solicitation Announcement or Request for Proposal. It does not constitute any commitment by the Government. No award will result from this notice. The purpose is to conduct market research to gain knowledge of potentially qualified domestic sources. Responses to this Sources Sought Notice will be used by the Government to make an appropriate acquisition decision. The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will not award a contract on the basis of responses or pay for the preparation of any information submitted. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this notice. After completing an analysis of the responses, the Government will determine whether to proceed with issuing an unrestricted solicitation, inviting full and open competition.

Purpose:

ARS Acquisition and Property Division (APD), Acquisition seeks to determine the availability and capability of potential businesses offering a domestically available source of supply for the project below. The information received resulting from this market research will be considered for the purpose of determining domestically available sources.

Product Information:

• The Government seeks information from qualified and experienced contractors capable of providing a domestically sourced 1,000-pound paddle blender/ribbon blender to mix wet and dry ingredients for extruding fish feeds.

Current Known Source:  TBD

Place of Performance: USDA, ARS, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce, FL  34946.

Anticipated Solicitation Release: July 31, 2026

Estimated Delivery: Delivery is expected within ninety days after award for the paddle blender.  

Description of Supply and Service

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS must meet or exceed the following:

Paddle blender/Ribbon blender

• Capacity: minimum of 50 gallons  
• Bulk density rating: minimum of 55 pounds per cubic feed
• Agitator speed (rotations per minute): minimum speed of 50 at 60 hertz (Hz)
• Trough size: not to exceed 20” in width and 40-inch length
• Overall dimensions: not to exceed 75” in width and 40” in length
• Motor horsepower: 3 horsepower.  60 Hertz (Hz) power on 230/460 volt. 3-phase.
• Wetted parts, interior finish and exterior finish: Stainless steel type 304. 
• Shaft design: Stainless steel type 304 with OSHA compliant safety guards
• Cover gasket on trough (to reduce dust): Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliant cover gasket
• Support design: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) complaint carbon steel painted shaft guards.
• Discharge value:  Manually operated stainless steel type 304 with a dust-tight knife gave value with a minimum diameter of 4”. Includes and FDA compliant urethane seal backed up with an FDA complaint silicone O-ring.
• Keypad to include star/stop control, speed control and display, and scrolling display for amps, percentage of load, and other digital values.

Disclaimers:

1. This notice is posted in accordance with FAR Part 5.2.
2. In accordance with FAR Part 4.1102, Procedures, System for Award Management (SAM), potential contractors must be registered in SAM prior to submitting responses, proposals, bids, or quotes. Offerors may obtain information on registration at https://www.sam.gov.
3. Any potential future solicitations will be posted exclusively on SAM.gov. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring this website for the release of solicitation and any updates or amendments.
4. Do NOT submit proposals, bids, or quotes at this time.
5. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this notice.

Instructions For Interested Parties, Capabilities:

Companies who have experience, as well as an interest in doing business with ARS, should submit a Capabilities Statement which, for this notice, is not expected to be a proposal, but rather short statements regarding the company’s ability to demonstrate their expertise and experience in relation to the areas specified in this notice. Companies should also indicate whether they are a Small Business, SBA-certified HUBZone, SBA-certified 8(a), SDVOSB, or Women-Owned Small Business as well as the Country of Origin of the proposed instrument and accessories. Responses should be submitted by July 24, 2026, no later than 3:00 p.m. EDT to the attention of Shelley Steen at shelley.steen@usda.gov.