SOLE SOURCE - LGR METHANE/NITROUS OXIDE ANALYZER

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Acquisition Branch, in Peoria IL, intends to award a sole source contract to Los Gatos Research, Inc, (LGR) located in Mountain View CA, for the following : CH4-N2O Analyzer. The Methane/Nitrous Oxide Analyzer from LGR is a quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology that utilizes an off-axis cavity enhanced absorption technique to measure ambient and soil trace gas fluxes from agricultural field sites and meets the analytical and automation goals of the research. It provides simultaneous measurements of CH4, N20 and H20 concentrations continuously in flowing gas samples. System includes all software for analysis and an internam 2-head diaphragm vacuum pump for 8-second gas flow (1/e) response time. This unit is equipped with the precision, maximum operating temperature, and off-axis stability. This allows for faster analyzes more efficiently leading to more realistic measurement techniques in the field, and has a working temperature range that is more likely in agricultural field research. This unit also does not require sub-nanometer optical alignment. It is of utmost importance that the precision of the unit is approached over a very short time period, in our case a few minutes. This Unit allows for easy integration into field monitoring activities associated with the national USDA Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network. LGR is the only distributor of this unique technology. This technology meets the requirements of the precision agriculture research goals of the Land Management and Water Conservation Research Unit's long-term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) site. NAICS code: 334516 is applicable. (FAC) Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-75 is applicable. THIS NOTICE IS AN INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT AND IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTES. This notice is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. Potential sources who believe they can provide the product listed above are invited to submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the Government to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the Government. The proposed award is being issued under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 (b)(i), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Any firm that believes it can provide the products listed above may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact not later than COB August 12, 2014. The Point of Contact for this action is Ms. Connie Williams and she may be reached at connie.williams@ars.usda.gov. NO TELEPHONE REQUEST WILL BE HONORED. ARS requires that all contractors doing business with the Acquisition Office must have an "Active Registration" in SAM (System for Award Management).