Mobile Containerized Biosafety Level-2 (BSL-2) Laboratory

A market survey is being conducted to determine if there are adequate Small Business, SBA-certified HUBZone, SBA-certified 8(a), Women-Owned, or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) contractors available for a proposed item who meet the minimum specifications 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 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 limit competition to 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, Women-Owned, or other small business firms, or to proceed with issuing an unrestricted solicitation, inviting full and open competition.

Purpose: The Agricultural Research Services (ARS), Construction and Facilities Section seeks to determine the availability and capability of potential small businesses to include socio-economic set-aside qualified businesses for the item below. The Government anticipates a competitive method of procurement. The information received resulting from this market research will be considered solely for the purpose of determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is appropriate.

Product Information: Mobile Containerized Biosafety Level-2 (BSL-2) Laboratory.  Brand Name or Equal (FAR 52.211-6)  

Current Known Manufacturer Source: Germfree Laboratories, LLC, 4 Sunshine BLVD, Ormond Beach, FL 32714.

Place of Performance: Hilo, Hawaii

Anticipated Solicitation Release: 08/01/2025

Estimated Delivery: 180 Days After Receipt of Order

Minimum Specifications:

The procurement request is for a containerized BSL-2 lab as an insect quarantine unit for Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research Unit in Hilo, HI. The same containerized lab platform was purchased in 2022 as a plant quarantine unit for the Tropical Plant Genetic Resource and Disease Research Unit in Hilo, HI. Using the same platform as the previously purchased plant quarantine unit promotes consistency in operation, simplifies maintenance and training, and reduces costs through standardization.

General requirement

1. The containerized lab to meet or exceed construction and equipment “standards” specified in the USDA APHIS PPQ Containment Guidelines for nonindigenous, phytophagous arthropods and their parasitoids and predators (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/organism-soil-imports/containment-facility-inspections), necessary to pass APHIS-PPQ permit process.
2. To include design, fabrication, freight to Hawaii and full site installation.
3. Sealed access and egress points to prevent vector escape.
4. Adjustments to ventilation and filtration systems for controlled air flow.
5. Integration-ready space for insect growth chambers (pending USDA final specs).
6. Interior finishes, equipment, and configurations suitable for vector handling and entomological diagnostics.

1. Minimum specifications
   1. General
      1. High-Cube shipping container: 40 ft L x 8 ft W x 9.5 ft H
      2. Main entry area (Internal dimensions): 74” L x 90 W x 95” H ( ± 1”)
      3. Anteroom (Internal dimension): 69” L x 90” W x 95” H ( ± 1”)
      4. BSL-2 Lab (internal dimension): 318” L x 90” W x 95” H ( ± 1”)
   2. Interior materials
      1. Walls and Ceiling

• Seamless wall system
• 40 foot lengths panels to eliminate wall seams
• Corners permanently sealed with an epoxy compound specifically designed for this purpose
• A monolithic barrier that is durable and easily cleaned
  • Flooring
    1. Finished floor to be a high performance, homogenous, welded seam sheet polyurethane floor
    2. Casework
       • Type 304 Stainless Steel work casework
       • Purpose built, all welded construction with adjustable shelving
    3. Mechanical
       1. A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to be installed.
       2. The HVAC system to be engineered to maintain a comfortable working temperature and humidity and provides an inward flow of air into the BSL-2 laboratory.
    4. Electrical
       1. Connections for utility power and/or auxiliary generator inputs to be provided via transfer switch.
       2. Diesel electric generator packages to be available.
       3. To configure the laboratory power to meet electrical requirements in Hawaii.
       4. Shore Power Requirements:
          • 400V, 50hz, 3Ph
          • Single point connection
          • Shore power inputs are provided
    5. Plumbing
       1. One (1) Stainless Steel Sink,
          • including emergency eyewash
          • Compatibility for connection to a water utility tap
       2. 2.4 kW water heater with on-demand electric water pump
       3. Copper supply and CPVC drain lines
       4. Single Point of connection
    6. Controls, communications and recording systems
       1. (12) Data ports to be provided for network instruments, computer workstations and printers. Cables to be run in shielded chases to a patch panel in the anteroom.
       2. Telephone port to be provided in the Main Entry.
       3. Also to include:
          • Intercom System
          • Fire / Burglar System
          • BMS
       4. Cameras and Monitors
          • Video cameras and a digital video recorder (DVR) to provide perimeter security. Interior and exterior cameras to provide live local video.
          • CCTV system (8 cameras, DVR capable of recording 30 days of video)
       5. Data / Phone Network
          • All data terminated into a patch panel in the command center
          • Data rack can support customer supplied switch
    7. Testing and Quality control
       1. The containerized lab to be thoroughly vetted and documented in real world conditions before shipped.
       2. To be delivered ready to install.
    8. Installation
       1. To provide pre-installation consultation
          • Overall Location of the unit and the surroundings
          • Power supply
          • Data cables and integration
          • Fresh/waste water connections
          • Laboratory exhaust discharge assessment
          • Location grade assessment
          • Accessibility
       2. To provide on-site assistance with installation, setup.
       3. To provide on-site training on the startup and daily operation of the facility.
       4. Dedicated Q&A support session with Germfree specialists post-installation
    9. Documentation
       1. To provide a full set of as-built drawings and a factory acceptance test summary.

1. Layout
   1. Main Entry Room
      1. To contains lockers for storage.
      2. The main entrance door is equipped with the proper access security.
      3. The Main Entry is maintained at positive pressure relative to the outside to provide an additional barrier to the air cascading into the BSL-2 laboratory.
      4. Stainless steel countertops with seamless welds, coved corners and radiused edges
      5. Stainless steel casework
      6. Lockers and shoe storage
   2. Anteroom
      1. Anteroom serves as an air break to the laboratory exterior and as a space for personnel to don their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if necessary.
      2. The area to be equipped with shelves and lockers for storing PPE.
      3. Pressure gauges at each door to display room pressures, and have alarms to indicate unsafe conditions due to changes in the differential pressures between the rooms.
      4. All interior doors should be able to be operated hands-free.
      5. Material pass box connecting the Anteroom and the BSL-2 Laboratory to allows the transfer of materials from the BSL-2 laboratory into the Anteroom or vice-versa while maintaining containment
      6. Interlocked doors assure that the airlock is never open on both sides simultaneously
   3. BSL-2 laboratory
      1. Room air within the BSL-2 Laboratory area to be externally exhausted through HEPA filtration.
      2. A top-loading autoclave to be provided for sterilization.
      3. Ample storage space to be provided by the custom casework as well as an integrated refrigerator and freezer.
      4. Enough space and electrical and HVAC capacities to be provided for 2 Insect rearing chambers
         • Medel IN034, Darwin Chambers, www.darwinchambers.com
      5. All casework to be stainless steel with seamless welds, coved corners and radiused edges and is compatible with all standard gas and vapor decontamination systems.
      6. (2) Class II Type A Biosafety Cabinets Model BBF-4SS
         • Outer cabinet and work surface are welded stainless steel with a #4 pharmaceutical grade finish
         • Front lifting viewing panel is easily removed and is gasketed to provide a proper seal when in place
         • Ergonomic front panel of the biological safety cabinet is concave permitting operator to lean into work area, enhancing user comfort
         • High capacity motor/blower system with speed control to extend the life of the HEPA filter
         • Supply and exhaust HEPA filters are parallel to work area and each other to prevent turbulence
         • Removable stainless steel work tray and tray supports facilitate easy clean up of the biological safety cabinet
         • Separate lighted power ON/OFF indicator switches for blower and lighting
         • Electrical inside Laboratory: 115V, 60Hz
         • Ten foot power cord with molded grounded plug
         • Constructed to allow for optional outside venting of exhaust air from the biosafety cabinet
      7. Custom casework to provide ample storage space
      8. Stainless steel hand washing sink
      9. Laboratory refrigerator (4°C)
      10. Laboratory freezer (-20°C)
      11. Top-loading autoclave (50L)
      12. The preparation areas consist of stainless steel countertops with seamless welds, coved corners and radiused edges

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 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 solicitation release 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 the 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.  Responses should be submitted by 08/04/2025 to the attention of Kelly Wright (kelly.wright@usda.gov) at the address above.