66 -- Magnetic Separator System

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items identified below, 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: offers are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation number: RFQ1703, is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). This procurement shall be solicited under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and is a Small- Business Set-Aside. The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) code is 334516. The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Animal Disease Center has a requirement to purchase a Magnetic Separator System with accessories. Please quote one each of the following: (1) Magnetic Separator (Miltenyi Biotech autoMACS #130-090-273 or EQUAL); (2) Laminar hood set (Miltenyi #130-090-333 or EQUAL; (3) Bottle extension kit (Miltenyi #130-090-334 or EQUAL); (4) Emergency spare part set (Miltenyi #130-090-337 or EQUAL); (5) UV protection cover (Miltenyi #130-090-775 or EQUAL) The items you are offering must meet or exceed the following salient characteristics: (a) Columns must be capable of binding 2 x 10(8) target cells within minutes; (b) Must be capable of sorting up to 10 million cells per second from samples of up to 4 x 10(9) total cells; (c) Must have the ability to isolate rare cells in the order of 1 in 1,000,000; (d) Must be capable of isolating small sized particles and able to isolate mRNA from cells and tissues; (e) Must be capable of positively selecting cells without affecting their function or viability; (f) Must be capable of taking selected cells directly to culture, PCR, FACS sort of analyses, functional study, or transplantation without requiring any additional steps; (g) System has reusable columns that may be used for up to 100 separations; (h) Must be completely compatible with flow cytometry; (i) Must have the ability to pre-program isolation protocols; (j) Needs to have the ability to input volumes of 100 ul (microliters) to 50 ml (milliliters); (k) Must be feasible to have separation time of 3-10 minutes; (l) Must operate using biodegradable microbeads and a telsa magnet; (m) Maximum electrical requirements of 120v, 15 amps. This solicitation incorporates the following FAR clauses, provisions and addendums: 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal; 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Item; 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items; 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items; 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items. In Paragraph (B) of 52.212-5, the following apply: 52.203-6, 52.223-9, 52.225-1, 52.225-13 and, 52.232-33. All offerors must include copies of 52.212-3 (Representations and Certifications). Faxed quotations are acceptable to Denise Hill at fax number +1 (555) 000-0000 on or before May 1, 2003, Central Standard Time. All responses will be evaluated in order to determine the ability to meet the above stated capabilities. The Government shall award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsive/responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government per FAR 13.106-2. Responses shall include technical specifications, descriptive material, literature, brochures and other such information corresponding to each minimum required item, which demonstrates the capabilities of the offeror's equipment. Offerors shall identify where the offered item meets or does not meet each of the Government's functional and performance minimum specifications listed herein. Offeror shall include references of three (3) firms for which similar equipment was provided. The anticipated award date is May 19, 2003. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which shall be considered by the Agency.