Autosampler
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation number 12505B21Q0247 is issued as a request for quote (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2021-07. The associated NAICS code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees and the PSC code is 6640.
The Department of Agriculture (ARS) has the need for the following products:
001) Autosampler
Scope of Work:
The USDA-ARS Forage-Animal Production Research Unit (FAPRU) in Lexington, KY is requesting quotes for an autosampler.
Background:
Through an improved understanding of the animal-plant interface, and the novel management strategies that result, the overall goal of this research project to improve the productivity and well-being of grazing livestock will be realized. Multidisciplinary research at the bench and on the farm will determine the mechanisms behind the interaction of detrimental fungal secondary metabolites with the host animal and resident gut microbes and how this interaction is affected by beneficial plant secondary metabolites. Research will be conducted from animal physiological, microbiological, and pasture-based perspectives to yield outcomes that aid in the understanding of complexities associated with consumption of ergot alkaloids and isoflavones. Information gained from this research will permit the development of novel mitigation strategies, selection for a genetic phenotype, and management approaches that can mitigate the effects of fescue toxicosis as well as improve nutrient efficiency and animal health. Comparison of existing and novel strategies will determine the most cost-effective strategy. The objectives will lead to improvements in growth, performance, and well-being of grazing livestock.
The item is a component (autosampler) of an existing instrument that is used to chemically analyze samples in support of project described in Scope of Work. The component will replace a 12-year-old component that currently constitutes the front end of the instrument. It is an economic advantage that the instrument components can be replaced piece-meal. It is also a productivity advantage because purchase of an entirely new instrument would necessitate re-validation of all methods currently employed on the instrument, which is a considerable expenditure of time.
Technical Requirements:
Must be an autosampler.
Must be mechanically compatible with a Dionex HPLC system.
Must be compatible with Chromeleon control software, which is currently available from Thermo.
Must have Integrated column compartment.
Must have analytical scale pulled-loop sampler with sample thermostatting ranging from 8-45 °C.
Must be able to inject 20, 50, or 200 µL.
Must have less than 0.02% carryover.
Must have a maximum operating pressure of 62 MPa or better.
Must include installation.
Installation cannot void warranty on other components.
There is no contractor that will require access to a government facility apart from a service technician to conduct installation. Installation will have to be coordinated with location personnel. The service technician will have to complete an attestation of vaccination and agree to follow all pandemic procedures. They should contact location personnel at least one week in advance.
Travel:
Travel related to installation is to be included in the purchase price.
Contractor’s Key Personnel:
The service technician. Resume is not required.
Evaluation Factors:
Lowest price, technically acceptable. The government intends to award a firm-fixed price award based on the lowest price technically acceptable product. The lowest priced product will be evaluated first; if not found acceptable, the next lowest priced product will be evaluated, and so on until an acceptable product is identified. The government will not review higher priced products if the lowest priced product is determined to be technically acceptable. For a vendor’s products to be considered technically acceptable, they must meet all of the technical requirements identified in the solicitation.
Key Deliverables:
Autosampler
Delivery
Installation
Training/Orientation
Service to change source of needle wash
Delivery:
Delivery is to be made to the USDA-ARS FAPRU located at 1100 South Limestone, N-220 Ag Sci North, University of Kentucky Campus, Lexington, KY 40506 within 90 days of award. Installation shall be scheduled with location personnel within 10 working days of product delivery. The service technician shall demonstrate functionality at the time of installation.
The vendor shall provide all items F.O.B: destination. Location of the Government site is aboard USDA-ARS Lexington, KY and will be identified in the contract. The Government anticipates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract.
Submitting a Quote:
To be eligible for an award, all contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with a current and active registration. A contractor can contact SAM by calling 1-866-606-8220 or e-mail at www.sam.gov. NO EXCEPTIONS. A DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet) number is required in order to register. Vendor must also include their DUNS# on their quote.
Also, to be eligible, all vendors must be NDAA 889 Certified. If they do not currently have a NDAA 889 Certification, then they must complete the attached NDAA 889 Certification form and submit it to aaron.dimeo@usda.gov so that they can be added to the list of NDAA 889 Certified vendors.
The submission and payment of invoices on the resulting contract will be made through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). As such, vendors must be currently registered or register in IPP in order to be able to submit and receive payment on invoices for the resulting contract.
Offerors responding to this announcement shall submit their quote on SF 1449 (see attached). The quote should include all fees, delivery charges, and/or surcharges. This will be a tax-exempt purchase.
Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Please email all quotes in writing on the SF 1449 to aaron.dimeo@usda.gov by no later than Monday, September 27, 2021 at 5:00 PM Central Standard Time.
Questions in regards to this combined synopsis/solicitation must be submitted through email and are due no later than 5:00 PM CST on Wednesday, September 22, 2021. Answers to any questions received by that time will be posted as an amendment to this combined synopsis/solicitation.
12505B21Q0247 Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Field Research Implementation and Information Delivery Midwest Area
9/17/21, 6:15 PM