NICHD-23-045_Combined Synopsis_final.pdf

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

Title: Titan/Krios G3 Microscope Maintenance Plan

Notice ID: NICHD-23-045 Posted Date: 12/20/2022 Response Date: 12/23/2022 Product Service Code: J066 - Maint/Repair/Rebuild of Equipment- Instruments and Laboratory Equipment NAICS Code: 811210 – Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance ($30M)

Description:

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice and shall be processed in accordance with FAR Part 13.5 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation number is NICHD-23-045 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation/award will incorporate all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2023-01. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 811210 (formerly 811219) and the business size standard is $30M. This solicitation is NOT set-aside for small businesses.

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute on Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) in support of the work of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order with one twelve (12) month Base Period with four (4) twelve-month Optional Periods.

STATEMENT OF WORK

2.0 BACKGROUND:

The mission of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is to conduct and support medical research and research training and to disseminate science-based information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, nutritional disorders, and obesity; and kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases, to improve people’s health and quality of life.

The NIDDK supports a wide range of medical research through grants to universities and other medical research institutions across the country. The Institute also supports government scientists who conduct basic, translational, and clinical research across a broad spectrum of research topics and serious, chronic diseases and conditions related to the Institute's mission. In addition, the NIDDK supports research training for students and scientists at various stages of their careers and a range of education and outreach programs to bring science-based information to patients and their families, health care professionals, and the public.

The Multi Institute Cryo-EM Facility (MICEF) is a collaborative facility maintained by the NIDDK. It serves the scientific communities of National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIDDK and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS.) MICEF currently houses a Titan/Krios G3 microscope that is used for Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM), a specialized process that produces detailed 3D characterization of biological samples.

MICEF offers support in planning Cryo-EM experiments, sample preparation and imaging, using equipment, and analyzing data. To continue this support, the Titan/Krios G3 microscope requires a maintenance plan to keep the microscope functioning properly and providing accurate results.

3.0 OBJECTIVE:

The preventative maintenance plan for the Titan/Krios G3 microscope requires optimized and continuous performance for the quality and productivity of the ongoing research at NIDDK. The purchase of the service agreement will ensure the high standard operation status of the microscope and its service to all Cryo-EM research projects at NIDDK.

4.0 CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Titan Krios G3 Service Contract – services to include: within 4-hour targeted telephone support of initial enquiry, 48-hour targeted onsite labor response, unlimited labor hours (including travel time and expenses), all necessary spare parts (including all accessories associated with the equipment), replacement Field Emission Gun (FEG) tip (for applicable products), one preventive maintenance visit (per year) and software updates. Maintenance support extended and applied for Ceta 16M Camera 330 kV.

5.0 TASK AREAS:

5.1 Task Area 1 – Service Agreement – Contractor shall provide telephone support for microscope troubleshooting (to be determined by Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)).

Contractor shall provide on-site service (as determined by COR) by an experienced service engineer; on-site response shall be within 48 hours after submittal of service request. Any replacement parts that are needed for repair should be delivered by overnight shipping at no cost to the Government. The Contractor shall cover all costs including labor, travel, and parts.

5.2 Task Area 2 – Preventive Maintenance – The Contractor shall provide a one-time on-site preventive maintenance during the period of performance and NIDDK’s MICEF Facility Director must be present during the maintenance.

5.3 Task Area 3 – Software Updates – The Contractor shall provide notification of any new software updates that can improve the functionality of the software capabilities. NIDDK’s MICEF Facility Director must be present during the software upgrade and will verify the success of the upgrade.

6.0 PURCHASE ORDER TYPE

The Government anticipates a Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order.

7.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The period of performance shall be:

• Base Period: 1/1/2023 - 12/31/2023

• Option Period One: 1/1/2024 - 12/31/2024

• Option Period Two: 1/1/2025 - 12/31/2025

• Option Period Three: 1/1/2026 - 12/31/2026

• Option Period Four: 1/1/2027 - 12/31/2027

• The combined period of performance for this contract base plus all applicable options shall not exceed sixty-six (66) months.

The payment for the equipment maintenance service will be made Quarterly in arrears, after services are provided.

8.0 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE/PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

The Project Officer or the Project Officer Supervisor will perform inspection and acceptance of materials and services to be provided. Inspection and acceptance will be done after all materials are unpacked, installed, and test run for operation. Receiving will be completed no later than 7 days following date of Delivery and does not constitute acceptance and Delivery. Acceptance and Delivery will be complete once the signed packing slip is provided to the Vendor.

Inspection and acceptance will be conducted at National Institutes of Health, NIDDK, Building 5, Bethesda, MD 20892.

9.0 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

The following COR will represent the Government for the purpose of this Purchase Order:

COR: TBD

The COR is responsible for: (1) monitoring the Contractor's technical progress, including the surveillance and assessment of performance and recommending to the Contracting Officer changes in requirements;

(2) interpreting the statement of work and any other technical performance requirements; (3) performing technical evaluation as required; (4) performing technical inspections and acceptances required by this Purchase Order; and (5) assisting in the resolution of technical problems encountered during performance.

The Contracting Officer is the only person with authority to act as agent of the Government under this Purchase Order. Only the Contracting Officer has authority to: (1) direct or negotiate any changes in the statement of work; (2) modify or extend the period of performance; (3) change the delivery schedule; (4) authorize reimbursement to the Contractor any costs incurred during the performance of this Purchase Order; or (5) otherwise change any terms and conditions of this Purchase Order.

10. DELIVERABLES

All written deliverable products shall be submitted in draft format for review, comment, and approval by the COR. Final copies of approved drafts shall be delivered to the COR by the specified due dates in the table below.

Reports shall be delivered in Microsoft Office 2007 OR Word newer formats, or Adobe PDF, unless prior approval for another format has been obtained from the COR.

DELIVERABLE DELIVERABLE DESCRIPTION / FORMAT

REQUIREMENTS DUE DATE

#1 (Task 5.1) Service Agreement

To be determined by

COR

#2 (Task 5.2) Preventive Maintenance To be determined by

#3 (Task 5.3) Software Updates To be determined by

CONTRACT CLAUSES

FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 Days.

(End of clause)

FAR 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 15 Days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 30 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 66 (months).

(End of Clause)

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) – CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE:

Clause No. Title

FAR 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights and Requirement to Inform

Employees of Whistleblower Rights (JUN 2020) FAR 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (OCT 2018) FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions- Commercial Items (OCT 2018) FAR 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors

(NOV 2021)

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ACQUISITION REGULATION (HHSAR) – CLAUSES

INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Clause No. Title

HHSAR 352.203-70 Anti-Lobbying (DEC 2015) HHSAR 352.222-70 Contractor Cooperation in Equal Employment Opportunity Investigations (DEC

2015)

(END OF CONTRACT CLAUSES)

SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (NOV 2021)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_212_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_212_3

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition.(1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(d) Representation. The Offeror represents that—

(1) It will, ☐ will ☐ not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation.

The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that—

It ☐ does, ☐ does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_25 https://www.sam.gov/ the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures.

(1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known).

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known).

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of provision)

52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation (OCT 2020).

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision, "covered telecommunications equipment or services" and "reasonable inquiry" have the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(c)

(1) Representation. The Offeror represents that it □ does, □ does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument.

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry for purposes of this representation, the offeror represents that it □ does, □ does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

(End of provision)

FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

(End of provision) https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_25 https://www.sam.gov/ http://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) – PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE:

Provision No. Title

FAR 52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal

Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (JAN 2017) FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (OCT 2018) FAR 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (AUG 2020) FAR 52.204-22 Alternative Line Item Proposal (JAN 2017) FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items (NOV 2021) FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation Commercial Items (NOV 2021) FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (OCT 2022) FAR 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (JUL 1990)

(END OF PROVISIONS)

SUBMISSION & GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

This Request for Quotation (RFQ) does not commit the Government to pay any cost for preparation and submission of a quote. In addition, the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this proposed acquisition. By submitting a quote in response to this solicitation, it is understood that your firm’s quote shall become a part of the official contract file. The Government is not responsible for locating or securing any information which is not identified in the quote.

Quotes must contain a statement to the effect that offer is valid for a period of at least 30 days from the date of receipt thereof by the Government.

Quote submittal must also include/address the following:

• All submittals must include a completed FAR Provision 52.204-24, 52.204-26 and 52.213-3 unless already completed in the System for Award Management (SAM). If already provided in the vendors SAM.gov profile, and do not conflict with the requirements as stated in this solicitation please provide a statement to the effect of “Provisions 52.204-24, 52.204-26 and 52.212-3 are complete and accurate per our SAM.gov registration dated 00/00/00.”

• All attachments must be in MS Word or Adobe Portable Format (PDF).

• All correspondence must have the Notice ID “NICHD-23-045” included in the subject line.

The evaluation will be based on the demonstrated capabilities of the prospective Offeror in relation to the needs of the project as set forth in the Statement of Work. The merits of the Quote will be evaluated carefully and will be deemed Acceptable or Unacceptable. The quote must document the feasibility of successful implementation of the requirements of the Statement of Work. The Offeror must submit information sufficient to evaluate the quote based on the detailed factors listed below.

The Offeror should note that the evaluation criteria listed in order of importance are:

A. Technical and Management Approach

B. Cost/Price

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS

If there are questions regarding this requirement, please submit your inquiries immediately via email but no later than Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 1pm Eastern Standard Time to the points of contact listed below:

Name: Ms. Kerry-Ann Chisholm Contract Specialist Email: kerry-ann.chisholm@nih.gov

Name: Mrs. Kimesha Leake Contracting Officer Email: kimesha.leake@nih.gov

Note: Questions submitted by a method other than email will not be accepted. Any questions received after the specified cut-off time and date above will not be accepted or answered unless at the Contracting Officers discretion is deemed necessary. All email inquiries must have the Solicitation number “NICHD-23-045” included in the subject line.

QUOTATION SUBMITTAL

Quotations submitted in response to this solicitation must be submitted via email no later than Friday, December 23, 2022, by 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time to the points of contacts listed below:

Name: Ms. Kerry-Ann Chisholm Contract Specialist Email: kerry-ann.chisholm@nih.gov

Name: Mrs. Kimesha Leake Contracting Officer Email: kimesha.leake@nih.gov

Note: It’s the Offeror’s responsibility to read the RFQ and all related documents carefully. Additionally, it is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure/verify the Government receives its submission on or before the date/time specified. The Government reserves the right to not accept any late quotes. Please do not wait until the deadline to submit your quotation.

BASIS FOR AWARD AND EVALUATION

Evaluation of quotes will be conducted in accordance with FAR 13.106-2 (b)(3) procedures. The Government intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Priced Purchase Order from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror, whose quote conforming to the RFQ, represents the best overall value to the Government after consideration of both price and non-priced factors.

The Government may reject any quote that is evaluated to be non-compliant with the solicitation requirements, unreasonably high or low in price, or reflects a failure to comprehend the complexity and risks of the work to be performed. The Government intends to make award selection without clarifications but may determine after evaluating the quotes submitted that clarifications are necessary and conduct them as appropriate with all, some, or none of the firms’ submitting quotations in response to this RFQ.

The Government reserves the right to make no award if quotes do not meet the requirements of this solicitation.

Once the Government determines that an Offeror is the best-suited (e.g., the apparent successful awardee), the Government reserves the right to engage with only that firm to address any remaining issues, if necessary, and finalize a Purchase Order with that firm. These issues may include technical and price related items. If the parties cannot successfully address any remaining issues, as determined pertinent at the sole discretion of the Government, the Government reserves the right to engage the next best-suited firm based on the original analysis and address any remaining issues. Once the Government has engaged the next best-suited firm, no further engagements with the previous firm will be entertained until after the Purchase Order has been awarded. This process will continue until an agreement is successfully reached and a Purchase Order is awarded.

The Government will conduct a comparative evaluation of quoters responses based upon the evaluation factors:

• Technical and Management Approach

• Price

The Government will review price quotes for price reasonableness. Normally, adequate price competition establishes a fair and reasonable price. However, the Government may use any other acceptable means as allowed by the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR.) The Government reserves the right to award to a Quoter with other than the lowest price. Award will be made to the Quoter whose quote represents the best overall value to the Government after consideration of price and non-price factors.

EVALUATION OF OPTIONS

It is anticipated that a purchase order awarded as a result of this solicitation will contain option provision(s) and period(s).

The Government will evaluate quotations for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. To account for the option period(s) possible under 52.217-8 (maximum of six months), Option to Extend Services, the Government will evaluate the option to extend services (FAR Clause 52.217-8) by adding 6 months of the Quoter’s final option period price to the Quoter’s total price. This amount will be the total evaluated price.