Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Hematology Analyzer Maintenance Services

This is a notice of intent to issue an award on the basis of other than full and open competition under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1) in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 1901. The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) intends to award a firm-fixed price contract to Sysmex America, Inc., located at 577 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 in support of the the Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen (DCPH-A). The requirement is to procure maintenance services, which include instrument software revisions, preventative maintenance, telephone and on-line technical support, and on-site service visits for the Sysmex XN1000V Hematology Analyzer. This maintenance contract is necessary for continuity to ensure that the Sysmex XN1000V hematology analyzer remains operational and calibrated through scheduled preventive maintenance and emergency maintenance if required. The analyzer is used to analyze laboratory animal whole blood samples for red and white blood cell counts, white blood cell identification, hemoglobin, cell morphology, and other parameters for Toxicology studies carried out by the Toxicology directorate in support of Soldier safety and health. The correct operation of this instrument is essential to provide time-sensitive data in support of the Toxicology Directorate. The analyzer currently in use was obtained through a sole source purchase and Sysmex does not certify third party organizations to perform service on its instruments. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement 811210 - Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance; and PSC J066 - Maintenance/Repair/Rebuild of Equipment - Instruments and Laboratory Equipment. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals, and no solicitation document will be posted for this requirement. However, parties interested in responding to this notice shall submit a capability statement sufficient to determine capability in providing the same service. All capability statements received by closing of this notification of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. Submissions that request documentation, request additional information or that solely ask questions will be determined to not be an affirmative response. Responses determined to be not an affirmative response are not valid and no further action may be taken with the response. A determination by the Government not to compete based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. This announcement fulfills the synopsis requirements under FAR 5.102(a)(6) and 5.203(a). If no written responses are received by the date listed below, which reflects at least seven (7) days after the publication of this notice, the solicitation will be issued as sole source without further notice. Contract award is anticipated to be made by 12 July 2024. Please submit all questions and responses concerning this notice to the Contract Specialist, Karyn Williams at karyn.m.williams2.civ@health.mil. Statements are due no later than 2:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on 28 May 2024. No phone calls accepted.