How to bid on a Benchtop Spectroradiometer System for FDA

What the FDA is buying and why it matters to vendors

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) needs a high-precision benchtop spectroradiometer system. This system will be used by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories (OSEL) to acquire spectral data from a microscope.

The required system includes a benchtop spectroradiometer, flexible probes for luminance/radiance measurement, and a fully documented Software Development Kit (SDK) or a documented plain-text command interface. The equipment must be new, non-refurbished, calibrated with a certificate, and include at least a one-year warranty. Delivery is required within 60 days to Silver Spring, Maryland. This is an opportunity for businesses that can supply specialized scientific equipment.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

Vendor questions are due by August 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. This is your chance to clarify any aspects of the solicitation directly with the FDA.

Quotations are due by August 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. All required documents and pricing must be submitted by this time. Quotes should be emailed to [email protected]. Previously submitted quotes can be revised until this new closing date.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is open to qualified businesses that can supply specialized scientific and laboratory equipment. The acquisition is unrestricted, meaning it is open to full and open competition. The relevant NAICS code is 423450 (Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers), with a size standard of 200 employees.

Firms that can provide high-precision spectroradiometer systems, including flexible microscope probes and software development kits or documented command interfaces, are well-suited for this bid. Experience with calibration, certification, and warranty provisions for scientific instruments is important.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full solicitation details, you will need to view the original source on the portal. You may need to click the link twice to reach the specific bid page. A free account might be necessary to view all attached documents.

Your quote must include itemized, all-inclusive pricing for CLINs 0001-0003, with any tariffs or surcharges identified separately. You must provide a point-by-point statement of compliance against the Statement of Work's salient characteristics, supported by literature. Also include delivery confirmation, warranty and recalibration-support terms, your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), CAGE code, and business size. Ensure your quote is valid for 60 days. All quoters must be actively registered in SAM.gov.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Carefully review the Statement of Work and Amendment 0001. The amendment clarifies key aspects, such as the dimensional limit for the fiber probe and how the SDK requirement can be met. Understanding these details is crucial for a compliant and competitive offer.

Since this is a Lowest-Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) award, your proposal must first meet all technical requirements. Once technical acceptability is established, the lowest price will be selected. Therefore, ensure your technical compliance is clearly demonstrated with supporting documentation, and then focus on offering your most competitive pricing.

Respond to the vendor question period if you have any uncertainties. Clarifying requirements upfront can prevent misunderstandings and help you submit a more accurate and compliant quote. Pay close attention to the specific email address for submissions and ensure your email is sent well before the deadline.