MKS AIRGARD PLUS Gas Analyzer Chemical Detection Instruments

This Notice of Intent is NOT a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for competitive quotes; however, in accordance with FAR Part 13 and Part 6.302-1, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intends to award a sole source purchase order based on the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) implemented by FAR Subpart 6.302-1 entitled "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements." FAR 6.302-1(b)(1) states this authority shall be used, "When there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the agency's minimum needs can only be satisfied by -- (i) Unique supplies or services available from only one source or only one supplier with unique capabilities...". FEMA intends to award this purchase order to COTS Solutions of Harrisburg, PA for the purchase and installation of five MKS AIRGARD PLUS Gas Analyzer chemical detection instruments, to include a two year AIRGARD extended warranty; two year AIRGARD PLUS consumable package; 40 micron AIRGARD pre-filter assembly for each instrument; as well as shipping and two day, on-site operator training. A "Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition" submitted by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and approved by the Contracting Officer is provided as an attachment to this notice. DHS, FEMA, Mt. Weather Emergency Operations Center (MWEOC) has a need to replace their existing chemical detection instruments with five MKS AIRGARD PLUS Gas Analyzer chemical detection instruments. The AIRGARD PLUS is used by numerous federal agencies, not only because it meets recommended National Capital Region (NCR) requirements, but because it provides Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-based gas analysis that detects Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA) and Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TIC). In addition, this instrument offers improved analytical sensitivity and results are displayed in real time, which is an improvement on current technology which displays results once every fifteen minutes. Analytical detection for this product is in the single digit parts per billion as opposed to double digit parts per million levels of detection with other systems. Market research performed by MWOEC's Emergency Services Division indicates the MKS AIRGARD PLUS gas analyzer, manufactured by MKS Instruments, is the only product on the market capable of meeting current recommended NCR requirements for chemical detection standards. COTS Solutions is the exclusive government sales representative for MSK AIRGARD products; thus they are believed to be the only source for purchasing MKS AIRGARD PLUS Gas Analyzer chemical detection instruments, as well as the extended warranties, consumable packages and pre-filter assemblies. COTS Solutions also offers installation and operator training services for these instruments. FEMA is unaware of any other company capable of providing a comparable product. However, any company capable of providing an equivalent product may submit descriptive literature, specification sheets, etc., in order to allow the Government to perform an evaluation of your proposed product. This information should be emailed to Phyllis.Woodward@fema.dhs.gov , or faxed to 540-542-2631, no later than 4:00 PM Eastern on March 4, 2016. Capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination not to compete this proposed procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.