66 -- Software

The USDA, ARS, LSO intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source Applied Maths, 512 East 11th St., Austin, TX 78701 to furnish a modular software package developed by Applied Maths as the standard for analysis of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. This is to upgrade existing software as well as add additional modules to enhance our ability to analyze data and share the data with collaborators at the CDC, FSIS, FDA and APHIS. This procurement will be made pursuant to FAR 6.302-1(2) (C)(ii). No telephone inquiries will be accepted. Interested parties should submit written responses including prices and technical data sufficient to determine capability to meet the entire requirement and must be received in this office within 7 calendar days after publication of this notice. It should be noted that no contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice, but will be used to determine if a comparable source more advantageous to the Government is available. If no affirmative written responses are received, negotiations will be held with Applied Maths without further notice. This acquisition is being conducted under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. The anticipated award date is May 31, 2005. Payment: Any award made under this solicitation is subject to 31 CFR Part 208 that requires all payments made by the government to be made by electronic funds transfer. Vendors may meet this requirement by acceptance of government purchase card or providing a Vendor Express Number. If a company has not previously enrolled in the Vendor Express Program with USDA, they should call the National Finance Center at +1 (555) 000-0000 for an enrollment package. All offers must include with their quotation a completed copy of FAR 52.212-3 available at www.arnet.gov/far.