The United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS) is conducting market research to evaluate the availability and capabilities of small business contractors for a project involving the special design of a reverse osmosis, softener treatment, and data management system. The intended location for this system is Manhattan, Kansas.

The agency seeks information from small businesses, including SBA–certified HUBZone, 8(a), Women–Owned, and Service–Disabled Veteran–Owned firms, to determine their ability to meet the project's requirements. Responses to this notice will inform the Government's decision regarding the acquisition strategy, which may include limiting competition to specific small business set-asides or proceeding with a broader, unrestricted solicitation.

This request is for market research purposes only and does not represent a solicitation or a promise of future contract. The analysis gathered will help determine whether to utilize a sole source procurement or to invite wider competition when the solicitation is released.