NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCES

THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Under the authority of FAR 13.106, the USDA ARS intends to award, on a sole source basis, a Firm Fixed Purchase Order (PO) to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE (GSS), 12351 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20191. This order will purchase an Ultraflextreme (TM) MALDI-TOF/TOF System (#1860100), associated components & maintenance agreement in support of ongoing research at USDA ARS, WRRC, PSM, Albany, CA 94710. The Firm Fixed PO will include the following: 1. #1860100 - ULTRAFLEXTREMETM MALDI-TOF/TOF SYSTEM - MALDI-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer for accurate mass determination and structure identification of bio-molecules. Includes MALDI PerpetualTM ion source with self-cleaning device, extended pulsed ion extraction PANTM mass range focusing; Bruker smartbeamTM-II laser technology for versatile applications with different sample preparation techniques; TOF analyzer for linear and reflectron measurements in positive/ negative ion mode with integrated FlashDetectorTM systems; MS/MS capability based on LIFTTM TOF/ TOF technology; high-energy CID (Collision-Induced Dissociation) accessory Data System with 5 Gs/ s digitizer, WINlO Operating-System, >=24" Widescreen-LCD-Display and CompassTM for Flex software package for MS control, data acquisition and processing; Installation; Familiarization upon installation; 1-year warranty; 2. #1852636 - TISSUETYPER STARTER KIT RAPIFLEX - TissueTyper Starter-Kit rapifleX: This starter-kit consists of MTP slide adapter, set of glass slides, FlexImaging software incl. one license, and SCiLS Lab Core with 3 USB licenses. The Starter-Kit enables automated MALDI imaging measurements (e.g. distribution of proteins in tissue sections). Results are shown as color coded intensity plots and can be overlaid with an image of the investigated sample. 3. #1858069 - HTX TM-SPRAYER M3 BUNDLE - TM-Sprayer Model M3 Bundle: Includes spraying booth, XY stage, spray nozzle, TMSP Control Software 4.1, Windows PC, switching valve, 5ml loop and necessary fittings, lsocratic Pump for HTX TM sprayer (10 ml pump head, stainless steel), installation and familiarization, plus: - NE-300 trypsin digestion kit: Includes NE-300 Pump, infusion only syringe pump. 1ml glass syringe, tubing and connections. 4. #DAL00218 - CONTRACT COMPLETE ULTRAFLEXTREME - INCLUDES: - Onsite response of three to five (3-5) Business Days: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm. - One Planned Maintenance (PM) visit per year with complete inspection of listed instrumentation. Additional PM /cleanings visits sold separately. - Unlimited onsite emergency service visits - Parts, labor, travel. * Software Upgrades. 5. #DAL05059 - FREIGHT COSTS SYSTEMS (INTERCONTINENTAL) USDA ARS, PSM requires a MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrometer (and additional items) to analyze and characterize a variety of biomolecules (e.g. peptide, proteins, oligosaccharides, etc.) of plant, bacterial and animal origin as well as complex tissue samples of plant, bacterial, insect and animal origin. The complexity of the molecules and/or tissue samples being analyzed requires an instrument with high performance characteristics for both mass spectrometry (MS) as well as tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis. High resolution and mass accuracy of MS and MS/MS analysis over a wide mass-to-charge (m/z) range is critical to identification of characterization of the molecules and tissue samples being to be analyzed by multiple research units at the Western Regional Research Center, ARS. Currently, only the Bruker ultrafleXtreme MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrometer provides these essential performance characteristics necessary for analysis of stable and metastable (i.e. post-source decay) peptides, proteins (and other biomolecules) as well as tissue samples. One of the critical applications of this instrument will be the analysis of bacterial protein mixtures for identification of protein biomarker and toxins by MS/MS-metastable/post-source decay. Such an analysis is not possible on every MALDI-TOF-TOF instrument because of differences in instrument design. URGENCY EXCEPTION: The Location's current eleven-year old MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrometer has recently been the subject of numerous age-related breakdowns and malfunctions that have impaired our ability to complete critical research goals. A new MALDI-TOF-TOF instrument is essential for the continued research of the Produce Safety & Microbiology and Crop Improvement & Genetics research units for analysis of foodborne pathogens (and their toxins) and wheat allergens at the WRRC. Speedy replacement of this aging instrumentation is essential for the Agency Mission. Along with FAR Part 12 & FAR Subpart 13.106 procedures, pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETTIVE QUOTES; a determination, by the Government, not to compete this proposed order/contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Interested parties who believe they possess the capability to satisfy this requirement should submit documentation that clearly demonstrates their capability. The Government will consider all responses received by 10:00AM PST, SEPTEMBER 3, 2019. Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquiries will only be accepted via email to the Primary Point of Contact: Washingtoni.NLN@usda.gov. THE AWARD DATE WILL BE ON OR ABOUT SEPTEMBER 3, 2019, and again, this Notice of Intent is not considered as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) nor is it a Request for Proposals (RFP). No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be honored.