Laminar Flow Animal Cage Changing Stations

RFQ PCA-ORS-09466 — Laminar Flow Animal Cage Changing Stations
COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION
(i) Description. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and services prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.
(ii) Solicitation Number. PCA-ORS-09466. This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).
(iii) Provisions/Clauses. The solicitation and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through the current Federal Acquisition Circular.
(iv) Set-Aside. This acquisition is full and open.
(v) Description of Requirement. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR), requires thirteen (13) laminar flow animal cage changing stations — seven (7) 48-inch (120 cm) units and six (6) 60-inch (150 cm) units — for rodent husbandry operations, delivered F.O.B. Destination to NIH, Bethesda, MD. This is a brand-name-or-equal requirement. The Tecniplast ARIA CS48 and CS60 changing stations are cited as references for capability and configuration only; any product meeting or exceeding the salient characteristics below is acceptable. Offerors proposing an "equal" product shall submit specifications/literature demonstrating that the proposed product meets each salient characteristic.
CLIN 0001 — Laminar flow animal cage changing station, 48-inch (120 cm) class (brand-name-or-equal: Tecniplast ARIA CS48 or equal) — Qty 7
CLIN 0002 — Laminar flow animal cage changing station, 60-inch (150 cm) class (brand-name-or-equal: Tecniplast ARIA CS60 or equal) — Qty 6
(vi) Salient Characteristics.
Applicable to both CLINs:
The changing stations shall be laminar-flow, ISO Class 3 (per ISO 14644-1) cage changing workstations meeting or exceeding the following:

Two-stage filtration: incoming and outgoing air filtered through a particulate pre-filter (minimum ISO Coarse ≥ 60–70% per ISO 16890 / G4 per EN 779) followed by an H14 HEPA filter, achieving ISO Class 3 working-area containment.
Each HEPA filter individually integrity/DOP scan tested.
Average Laminar Air Flow (LAF) velocity ≥ 0.30 m/s across the internal working chamber, with no individual measurement point (minimum 8 points, evenly distributed) outside the range 0.25–0.50 m/s.
Barrier airflow sufficient to protect the operator from allergens and particulates (≥ 1300 m³/h nominal barrier flow rate, verified by smoke test).
TFT touch-screen control panel (minimum 4.3″) at operator eye level, displaying LAF velocity, barrier flow rate, HEPA filter residual life, and cumulative operating hours.
Audible and visual alarms compliant with EN 12469 performance criteria for out-of-range LAF/barrier flow velocity, HEPA filter clogging, and blower motor fault.
EC (electronically commutated) motor blowers for reduced energy consumption, noise, vibration, and heat load.
Microprocessor-driven, automatically compensating electronic airflow control.
Dual-configuration (flat or recessed) working surface accommodating both mouse and rat cages while maintaining containment.
TRESPA® or equivalent work surface: autoclavable, scratch-resistant, sound-absorbent.
LED light bar with electronic dimmer for light-sensitive/albino strains.
Electrically height-adjustable, mobile (castered, nominal 125 mm/5″) support stand for seated or standing operation.
Two power sockets with drip-proof covers, mounted external to the contaminated working area.
Cleanability features: protective net over exhaust pre-filter; removable collection tank/tray beneath the work surface; removable work surface and airflow grille; rounded smooth surfaces with high chemical resistance to common disinfectants, including chlorine-based compounds.
Ergonomic features: angled transparent hinged viewing screen with gas-spring assist; knee-rest panel; integrated push/pull maneuvering bar.

CLIN 0001 (48-inch class) additional characteristics:

Surface width 120 cm (48″).
Overall dimensions approximately 1414 × 790 × 1954–2278 mm.
Weight ≤ 185 kg (408 lbs).

CLIN 0002 (60-inch class) additional characteristics:

Surface width 150 cm (60″).
Overall dimensions approximately 1590 × 790 × 1954–2278 mm.
Weight ≤ 196 kg (432 lbs).

Testing, documentation, and certification (both CLINs): Each unit shall be delivered with a factory test report documenting, at minimum: noise level and light intensity test; electrical safety test; DOP (or equivalent HEPA integrity/scan) test; alarm functionality check; functional test; and aeraulic LAF testing at a minimum of 8 measurement points. Units shall be CE-compliant and independently certified by UL/CSA (or equivalent NRTL) for electrical safety. The manufacturer shall be independently certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
(vii) Place of Delivery. NIH Building 10A, Bethesda, MD 20892. Exact building/room and receiving dock information will be provided by the COR at time of award. Delivery F.O.B. Destination, Freight Prepaid & Added.
(viii) Period of Performance / Delivery. Delivery within the offeror's quoted lead time after receipt of order (reference lead time 12–14 weeks ARO). The Contractor shall coordinate delivery scheduling with the DVR facility point of contact a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance of anticipated delivery.
(ix) 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Products and Services, applies. Quotations shall include: (1) completed pricing for both CLINs, including freight (F.O.B. Destination); (2) product literature/specifications demonstrating compliance with the salient characteristics for each CLIN; (3) quoted delivery lead time (ARO); and (4) current SAM registration. Quotations are due Friday, September 18, 2026, 2:00 PM ET, submitted via email to Travis Brown at travis.brown@nih.gov.
(x) 52.212-2, Evaluation. Award will be made to the responsible offeror submitting the lowest-priced quotation determined technically acceptable (LPTA). Technical acceptability is met by demonstrating that each proposed unit meets or exceeds all applicable salient characteristics. Price will be evaluated for the total of both CLINs, including freight.
(xi) Offerors shall include a completed copy of 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications, or have current representations and certifications in SAM.
(xii) 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products and Services, applies.
(xiii) 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders, applies; applicable clauses to be identified by the Contracting Officer, including any Trade Agreements Act provisions (FAR 52.225-3/52.225-5) as determined applicable.
(xiv) Questions. All questions must be submitted in writing to the point of contact below no later than Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 2:00 PM ET. Responses will be posted as an amendment on SAM.gov.
(xv) Quotation Due Date/Time. Friday, September 18, 2026, 2:00 PM ET.
(xvi) Point of Contact. Travis Brown, Contract Specialist, NIH/ORS — travis.brown@nih.gov.