Notice of Intent To Award Sole Source

This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation, Notice of Intent. The Midwest Area for the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture intends to issue an award to Focus Precision Instruments, 1560 Cavaletti Court, Victoria, MN 55386 This is a sole-source procurement under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. This is a requirement of the National Animal Disease Center (NADC), MWA, ARS, USDA at Ames, IA is for a LED Fluorescent Microscope with custom imaging equipment and software. The scope of work for the Contractor to provide is LED Fluorescent Microscope and accessories, Digital imaging software, installation and training charges. Interested parties should submit written (mail or email) responses including prices and technical data sufficient to determine capability to meet the entire requirement and must be received in this office within 10 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 Focus Precision Instruments without further notice. This acquisition is being conducted under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION: Upon the basis of the following justification, I, as Contracting Officer, hereby approve the use of other than full and open competition for the proposed contractual action pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C.2304(c)(1), FAR Subpart 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. JUSTIFICATION 1. Agency and Contracting Activity (FAR 6.303-2(a)(1)). USDA, AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, Midwest Area, Procurement & Property Section 2. Nature/Description of Action(s) (FAR 6.303-2(a)(2)). a. This contracting action is to obtain a LED Fluorescent Microscope with associated imaging equipment and software. 3. Description of Supplies/Services (FAR 6.303-2(a)(3)). Work to follow the scope of work detailed above. 4. Identification of Statutory Authority (FAR 6.303-2(a)(4)). 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1), FAR Subpart 6.302-1. The services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source and no other type of services will satisfy the Agency requirements. 5. Demonstration of Contractor's Unique Qualifications (FAR 6.303-2(a)(5)). a. Only one responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services will satisfy Agency Requirements (FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)) (1) FAR 6.302-1(a)(2) states, "When the supplies or services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source, or for DOD, NASA, and the Coast Guard, from only one or a limited number of responsible sources, and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, full and open competition need not be provided for." (2) The named vendor is unique in that it can provide both the microscope with the specific functions and is the supplier of Digital imaging equipment and software needed to interface with existing equipment, with associated installation and training adapted to meet the special needs of the NCAH program. 6. Federal Business Opportunities - FedBizOpps.gov (FBO) Announcement/Potential Sources (FAR 6.303-2(a)(6). As per the terms of this announcement as this is the first and (anticipated) only need for this specific combination of product and service. 7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost (FAR 6.303-2(a)(7). Location scientific staff provided a justification of the work elements and a subsequent price analysis determined the price to be fair and reasonable. 8. Description of Market Research (FAR6.303-2 (a)(8). USDA/ARS is constantly surveying the market and from this experience knows that the service is proprietary and only available from the vendor identified. 9. Any Other Supporting Facts (FAR 6.303-2(a)(9)) Due to the nature of the item needed, at this time there is only one source available. 10. Listing of Interested Sources (FAR 6.303-2(a)(10). No other sources are available at this time. 11. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition (FAR 6.303(a)(11)). An Ebuy Sources sought was submitted and none of the responses met the criteria as posted. Vendor surveys are done from time to time to see if other existing items can meet the research requirements 12. Technical Requirements and Certifications; (FAR 6.303-1(b) and FAR 6.303-2(b) I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this justification and which form a basis for this justification are complete and accurate. CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION: (FAR 6.303-1(A), 6.303-2(A)(12) I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. //s// Name: Mark O. Volk Title: Contract Specialist