NOTICE TO SOLE SOURCE

This is a Notice of Intent to Sole Source announcement only. This is not a request for formal proposals or quotes. Any responses to this announcement will be treated as information only. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of contractor submission of responses to this announcement or the Government use of such information. This notice does not constitute a solicitation for proposals or the authority to enter into negotiations to award a contract. No funds have been authorized, appropriated for this effort. Purpose and Objectives: request is for the purchase of a new 4200 TapeStation automated electrophoresis system for molecular diagnostics in the Manhattan, KS PPQ Plant Pathologist Domestic Identifier Laboratory (PPDIL). The current gel electrophoresis system that is being used by the PPDIL not safe due to the use of a carcinogenic dye called ethidum bromide. In addition, typical electrophoresis systems do not accommodate a surge number of samples in a time efficient way. The 4200 TapeStation can accommodate 96 samples at one time to provide automated and accurate results. Electrophoresis systems are mission-critical for the PPCDL, without which we would not be able to provide a full scope of molecular diagnostics. In addition, the 4200 TapeStation is utilized by the Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostic Laboratory (PPCDL), and it would be beneficial to have compatible equipment for troubleshooting and data sharing throughout our constant collaboration with the PPCDL. No other supplies or services have been identified that will satisfy the government's needs Agilent Technologies is the only company that is able to provide compatible equipment without having to refit all other machines within the department. This is a sole source requirement that is proprietary to Agilent Technologies. It has been determined as the only one responsible source as determined in accordance with procedures prescribed in FAR 13.5 and the anticipated contract action is hereby publicized in accordance with FAR 5.101 and FAR 5.203. The purpose of this notification is to communicate the Governments intent to solicit and award a non-competitive purchase of this service. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL OR COST PROPOSALS. The NAICS code is 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing. The Product Service Code is 6640 Laboratory Equipment And Supplies. This non-competitive award is implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b), as it has been deemed that only one source is available to meet this specific requirement. The Government intends to procure this sole source requirement under FAR Parts 12 and 16. THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. This notice of anticipated contract action is published as required by 15 USC 637(e), 41 USC 1708, and implemented by FAR 5.101(a)(2). Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed requirement is solely within the discretion of the government. Point of Contact: Mario Garcia, Contract Specialist mario.garcia2@usda.gov. See attached document: Single Source Justification