Maintenance agreement for an Aushon Biosystems 2470 Arrayer

Contracting Office Address Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Office of Acquisitions, 6120 Executive Boulevard, EPS Suite 600, Room 6079, Rockville, MD 20852, UNITED STATES. Description The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Laboratory of Pathology plans to procure a maintenance agreement on a sole source basis with Aushon Biosystems of 43 Manning Rd Billerica, MA 01821 for a government-owned Aushon Biosystems 2470 Arrayer (s/n 2470-4-0130). This acquisition will be processed in accordance with simplified acquisition procedures as stated in FAR Part 13.106-1(b)(1). The North American Industry Classification System Code is 541990 and the business size standard is $19 Million. Only one award will be made as a result of this solicitation. This will be awarded as a firm fixed price type contract. It has been determined that there is no opportunity to acquire Green Products or Services under this contract. The period of performance shall be twelve (12) months from date of award. The purpose is a maintenance agreement for a government-owned Aushon 2470 Arrayer (s/n 2470-4-0130) operated by the NCI Laboratory of Pathology. The Aushon 2470 Arrayer performs high throughput screening for proteins and DNA samples and is used for translational and clinical applications. The analyzer is comprised of numerous moving parts which require precise calibration for successful operation. To maintain this precision, periodic maintenance beyond end-user ability is required. Aushon BioSystems, Inc. is the exclusive manufacturer of the Aushon 2470 Arrayer. The 2470's systems, including hardware design, device control, and software interface are proprietary to Aushon BioSystems. This complex, proprietary design demands that only Aushon BioSystems service the 2470 unit. Service provided by a competing vendor (including NCI end-users) would immediately and permanently terminate all support from Aushon. The 2470 Arrayer is comprised of numerous moving parts which require precise calibration for successful operation. To sustain the high level of precision required for operation, periodic maintenance (beyond end-user ability) is required. Without such maintenance, generation of high quality, reproducible data would be compromised. Aushon BioSystems is the sole known vendor possessing the capability to inspect, repair, upgrade, and maintain the 2470 Arrayer. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotations. However, if any interested party believes they can meet the above requirement, they may submit a statement of capabilities. All information furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow the NCI to determine if it can meet the above unique specifications described herein. An original and one copy of the capability statement must be received in the NCI Office of Acquisitions on or before 11:00 AM EST on September 12, 2012. No electronic capability statements will be accepted (i.e. email or fax); an original and one copy must be sent to the NCI Office of Acquisitions to the address stated above. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed (301) 402-4513 or emailed to Miguel Diaz, Contract Specialist at miguel.diaz@nih.gov. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. In order to receive an award, contractors must have valid registration and certification in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and the Online Representations and Certifications Applications (ORCA) through SAM.gov. No collect calls will be accepted. Please reference solicitation number NCI-120190-MD on all correspondences.