C02 Pre-solicitation Notice 12639526Q0236.pdf

Presolicitation Notice: 12639526Q0236

This is a presolicitation notice issued in accordance with FAR Overhaul subpart 5.101, Presolicitation.

Point of contact: Julia Lackey, julia.lackey@usda.gov, Contract Specialist USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Set-asides: No set-aside

Codes for services:

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing Product Service Code (PSC): 6640 – Laboratory Equipment and Supplies Description: See the attached Statement of Work-EVOS

RFO FAR 12.201-1 Simplified procedures will be used for awarding the contract. The anticipated award date is August 15th, 2026.

The intended source for this acquisition is:

Life Technologies Corporation 5781 Van Allen Way Carlsbad, CA 92008

Life Technologies Corporation/Thermofisher has unique qualifications for this acquisition because they are the only manufacturer and seller of Invitrogen EVOS products. There is no other option to buy these items. The products are manufactured in Bothell, Washington.

All responsible sources may submit a response which will be considered by the agency. Please email responses to julia.lackey@usda.gov requests must be submitted no later than August 10th at 12:00 PM Eastern. Quotes will be solicited directly from suppliers in accordance with FAR Overhaul subpart 12.201-1(c)(2). Telephonic inquiries will not be honored.

Award Type

It is anticipated that a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order will be awarded from this presolicitation

Basis on which Selection will be made:

Award Method: Lowst Price, Technically Acceptable

Quotations will be evaluated based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the quoter that represents the best value to the Government based on the following criteria:

Evaluation Criteria

The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

Technical Acceptability: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires the following items on a brand name basis.

Item Name/Model: EVOS M5000SV Imaging System (See listing below) Manufacturer: Thermo Fisher Scientific/ Life Technologies Corporation

Item Number

Part Number

Description Quantity

0001 A65468 EVOS M5000 Imaging System with Stage View. Bundle includes: (1.1) AMF5000SV – EVOS M5000 Imaging System with integrated digital imaging capabilities; (1.2) ZGEXSCEVOSM5000 – Rapid Exchange Program providing a 2-year expedited instrument replacement service to minimize downtime; and (1.3) A40109 – Digital SmartStart remote onboarding and installation assistance to facilitate system setup and user training.

0002 AMEP5010 Phase Contrast Objective Bundle – Includes 4X, 10X, and 20X long working distance (LWD) phase contrast objectives for routine imaging of samples at multiple magnifications.

0003 AMEP4983 40X Long Working Distance Phase Contrast Objective – High-resolution 40X objective (0.65 NA, 1.79 mm working distance) for detailed higher magnification imaging.

0004 AMEP5016 Fluorescence Light Cube Bundle – Includes DAPI, GFP, and Texas Red fluorescence filter cubes for multichannel imaging of commonly used fluorophores.

0005 AMEP4619 Holder Pack – Includes vessel holders (AMEP-VH001 and VH010) for securely mounting compatible sample vessels during image acquisition.

Technical Acceptability will be evaluated to determine an overall rating of “acceptable” or “unacceptable”. Technical Acceptability will be evaluated on the ability of the offeror to provide new manufactured commercial items from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or an OEM approved source. To be considered technically acceptable, the quoted product must:

Be the exact brand name, make, and model number specified in the solicitation.

Include sufficient documentation (e.g., manufacturer quote, datasheet, or product listing) to confirm the product offered is the exact item requested.

Be new (not refurbished or remanufactured) and meet all delivery requirements stated in the solicitation.

Quotations offering alternate, substitute, or “equal” products will not be considered and will be deemed technically unacceptable.

Only quotations determined to be technically acceptable will be considered for award.

Price: Any quantity price discounts and discounts for prompt payment should be included in this section. Any quantity price discounts and discounts for prompt payment should be included in this section. Total price evaluation will be for the base period, all option periods and in accordance with FAR 52.217-8, up to a six-month extension period. Failure to propose pricing for the base period and all option periods on individual line items may result in a quotation being excluded from further consideration.

Past Performance:

The Government may utilize any references provided by the Contractor, along with information available from past contracts/orders with the USDA and any information found using sources such as Federal Government sources or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine if the Contractor has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

• Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness, cost control, business relations, and adherence to contract terms.

• Neutral: Offeror does not have a past performance record.

• Unacceptable: The contractor has a documented history of failing to meet contract requirements, including poor quality, missed deadlines, cost overruns, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.

Evaluation Method:

All quotations will be evaluated to identify the offeror presenting the most technically advantageous solution based on the stated evaluation criteria. Once the highest technically rated offeror is identified, their price will be evaluated to determine whether it is fair and reasonable. Past performance will also be assessed to ensure it is acceptable or neutral.

Award will be made to the offeror whose proposal is determined to be the highest technically rated, provided that:

• The proposed price is fair and reasonable, and

• Past performance is assessed as acceptable or neutral.

Award will not necessarily be made to the lowest-priced offeror. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.