Repair and Warranty Services for Government-owned Olympus Multiphoton Microscope System.

BACKGROUND The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center of Cancer Research (CCR), Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology (LCMB) focuses on performing cutting-edge research in the study of signal transduction mechanisms that control normal cell growth and, when altered, lead to malignant transformation. One of the areas of focus for researchers within the LCMB is the basic mechanisms that regulate trafficking events in mammalian tissues, with a particular emphasis on membrane remodeling. The CCR has pioneered subcellular intravital microscopy to image these processes in live animals under physiological conditions, and to investigate their role during tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Subcellular intravital microscopy (IVM) is a combination of light microscopy techniques, such as two-photon and confocal microscopy. This type of microscopy enables the direct observation of the intracellular process in live animals. To conduct this type of microscopy, the LCMB utilizes highly specialized multiphoton microscopes. In order to ensure this research can continue, the Government requires ongoing maintenance of these instruments. Details regarding the specifications for this acquisition can be found in Attachment 1 - Draft Statement of Need. NOTICE OF INTENT Based on market research, the Government has determined that only the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has access to appropriately trained personnel capable of repairing these instruments, and only the OEM is able to offer parts needed for these repairs. The OEM does not offer training to service-providers that are not employed by Olympus or which have entered into exclusive agreements with the OEM. Using unauthorized third-party service providers would void any warranty offered by the OEM, and prevent the Government from accessing warranty-based repair services for these instruments in the future. As a result, the Government anticipates issuing a sole-source purchase order to: Olympus America Inc. 3500 Corporate Pkwy. Center Valley, PA 18034 NOTICE INFORMATION The response close date of this notice is in accordance with FAR 5.203(a)(1). This acquisition will be processed under FAR Part 12 - Acquisition for Commercial Items and will be awarded pursuant to the authority in FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) using simplified acquisition procedures. It is exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6. This notice is not a request for competitive quotation; however, if any interested party - especially any small business - believes it can meet this requirement, it may submit a capability statement for the Government to consider. The response and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NCI to determine if the party can perform the requirement. Responses must be received in the contracting office by the deadline stated in this notice. All responses and/or questions must be submitted via e-mail to Renee Jones-Chuang, Contract Specialist, at contact@example.gov. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement 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 be registered and have valid certification through SAM.gov and have representations and certifications completed. Responses should include both the STATEMENT OF CAPABILITY and the BUSINESS SIZE AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS information as explained below. RESPONSES (1) Statement of Capability: Submit a brief description (10-pages or fewer) that includes product specifications. Include past experience with performing this type of service for Government agencies, or for a private medical facility. Please indicate your address. (2) Business Size and Socio-Economic Status: (a) Indicate whether your organization is a small business or other-than-small business. (b) If small, indicate if your firm qualifies as a small, emerging business; or a small disadvantaged business. (c) If disadvantaged, specify under which disadvantaged group and if your firm is certified under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act. (d) Indicate if your firm is a certified HUB-Zone firm. (e) Indicate if your firm is a woman-owned or operated business. (f) Indicate if your firm is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) or a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB). (g) Include the DUNS number of your firm. (h) State whether your firm is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).