RFQ-NIAID-23-2172168.pdf

Request for Quotes Solicitation ID: RFQ-NIAID-23-2172168 High Density Ventilated Rack Purchase

This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items using Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

This acquisition will be made in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart

12.6 “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items,” as applicable, and as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation (a written solicitation will not be issued) and quotes are being requested. The Solicitation number is RFQ-NIAID-23-2172168 and the solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotes (RFQ).

This acquisition will be processed under FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). The solicitation documents and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2023-04 Effective June 2, 2023.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 333998 - All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing with a size standard of 500 employees. The Product or Service Code (PSC) is 6640 – Laboratory Equipment and Supplies. The requirement is being competed as full and open competition.

The government intends to award a firm-fixed-price purchase order to the responsible offeror as a result of this RFQ that will include the terms and conditions set forth herein. By submitting a quote, the offeror is accepting that all government terms and conditions shall prevail over the award.

By submission of a quote, the Offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered and viewable in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to award, during performance, and through final payment resulting from this solicitation (www.sam.gov).

STATEMENT OF NEED

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Division of Intramural Research (DIR), Comparative Medicine Branch (CMB) has a requirement for replacement racks and cages for its vivaria. High quality racks and cages are integral to the daily husbandry and colony management driven by the many different and detailed research objectives at the individual laboratory level.

NIAID/DIR/CMB is seeking Allentown brand name or equal High Density Ventilated Racks (HDVRs) with Individually Ventilated Cages (IVCs) and associated supplies and accessories including lids, water bottles, sipper tubes, wire bar lids, and bottle baskets, plus a 20% changeout (1728 cages). This acquisition includes an optional quantity of 72 racks plus a 20% changeout (2304 cages) with associated supplies and accessories.

Please provide a quote for the Bill of Materials (BOM) listed below. Offerors shall be an authorized seller of Allentown brand name or equal products. The Government anticipates making a single award Firm Fixed Price (FFP) order.

The proposed purchase is for Brand Name or Equal products/services. The brand name and part numbers for the products/services are provided in full detail below:

Bill of Materials for Allentown brand products:

Base Quantity:

QTY PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION

54 MENLP160AN-

IVC, Mouse, 160 Cage NexGen 500. (NO AUTO WATER- bottles only); Includes 160 complete cage set ups (as described below) Supply Blower - Part # EFS110GRP0-0A4E. BLOWER, ECOFLO, SUPPLY, 115V, TOUCH

SCREEN

Exhaust Blower - Part # EFE113GLP0-0X00 BLOWER, ECOFLO, EXHAUST, 115V, Sentinel - Part # K10036. SENTINEL MEDIA HOLDER KIT

1728 Change out of cage set ups - 20% of 54 Racks; Includes:

1728 223580-4 CAGE, XJ EDGE, CLEAR POLYSULFONE HIGH TEMPERATURE

1728 228655-5 MICRO BARRIER TOP, MOUSE, NEXGEN

1728 412483 WIRE BAR LID, MOUSE, XJ/NEXGEN/SPP/BCU2, STAINLESS STEEL

1728 PC250BCL BOTTLE, 250ml, CLEAR

1728 SLC250-200-NW CAP, ASSEMBLY, SLIP ON WITH 2" TUBE

1728 HH35P9-8 CARDHOLDER, 3" X 5", HORIZONTAL

216 BB40250M Bottle Baskets (holds 40 bottles)

Option Quantity:

QTY PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION

MENLP160AN-

IVC, Mouse, 160 Cage NexGen 500. (NO AUTO WATER- bottles only); Includes 160 complete cage set ups (as described below) Supply Blower - Part # EFS110GRP0-0A4E. BLOWER, ECOFLO, SUPPLY, 115V, TOUCH

SCREEN

Exhaust Blower - Part # EFE113GLP0-0X00 BLOWER, ECOFLO, EXHAUST, 115V, Sentinel - Part # K10036. SENTINEL MEDIA HOLDER KIT

2304 Change out of cage set ups - 20% of 54 Racks; Includes:

2304 223580-4 CAGE, XJ EDGE, CLEAR POLYSULFONE HIGH TEMPERATURE

2304 228655-5 MICRO BARRIER TOP, MOUSE, NEXGEN

2304 412483 WIRE BAR LID, MOUSE, XJ/NEXGEN/SPP/BCU2, STAINLESS STEEL

2304 PC250BCL BOTTLE, 250ml, CLEAR

2304 SLC250-200-NW CAP, ASSEMBLY, SLIP ON WITH 2" TUBE

2304 HH35P9-8 CARDHOLDER, 3" X 5", HORIZONTAL

288 BB40250M Bottle Baskets (holds 40 bottles)

To be considered for award, vendors quoting “equal” products/services, including “equal” products/services of the brand-name manufacturer, must meet the following minimum requirements/specifications:

1. Double sided rack with 160 cage capacity

2. Cage card holders

3. HDVR must accommodate reusable and disposal cage systems

4. Cages must be high-temp polysulfone

5. High temp 5” wheels/casters

6. Fully autoclavable rack system

7. Top of rack mounted blower system to include HEPA filtered supply and exhaust

8. Cage runners consist of high-temp polysulfone

9. Cage runners with integrated spring-operated cage lock with docking indicator

10. Ability for rack system to operate in positive or negative mode

11. Supply air must enter at cage bottom level with point exhaust air through cage lid to plenum

12. Sentinel monitoring using the exhaust plenum air dust

13. Full cage wire bar lid with feeder/water bottle

14. Integrated gasketed lid

15. Exhaust port must utilize metal snap ring

16. Racks must include tethered silicone end caps to reduce labor/handling

17. Exhaust blower must include transition plate for ceiling connections and 6’ exhaust hoses

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Delivery is requested as soon as possible. Estimated lead time for delivery is 120 days from date of award which is estimated to be August 14, 2023, if not sooner. Delivery is required within 180 days from date of award. The period of performance for the option quantity is one year from date of award.

SHIPPING/DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

Delivery location for the base order is Building 14BS, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892. Delivery location for the option quantity, if exercised, would be Building 50, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892. The Loading Dock is at semi-truck height. If the delivery truck is low, a lift gate is REQUIRED for pallet shipments or packages over 50 pounds. The Loading Dock hours are as follows: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm EST, Monday through Friday except for Federal Holidays. FOB: Destination. Offeror must coordinate delivery and receipt with the NIAID customer. Please contact Marni Walker at 301-761-6469 for coordination. Hours and availability may be limited during this period. All equipment delivered shall contain a Packing Slip (with serial numbers when applicable).

INSTRUCTIONS

All interested vendors shall provide a quote for the requirement as outlined in the Bill of Materials (BOM). If providing an equal product(s)/services(s), please supply descriptive data for evaluation purposes to determine the validity of how it is an EQUAL. The following FAR provision applies to this a solicitation FAR 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999):

(a) If an item in this solicitation is identified as "brand name or equal," the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government’s needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that "equal" products must meet are specified in the solicitation.

(b) To be considered for award, offers of "equal" products, including "equal" products of the brand name manufacturer, must-

(1) Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristic specified in this solicitation;

(2) Clearly identify the item by-

(i) Brand name, if any; and

(ii) Make or model number;

(3) Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer; and

(4) Clearly describe any modifications the offeror plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modifications.

(c) The Contracting Officer will evaluate "equal" products on the basis of information furnished by the offeror or identified in the offer and reasonably available to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer.

(d) Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an "equal" product, the offeror shall provide the brand name product referenced in the solicitation.

(End of provision)

All quotes shall include price(s) (unit price, extended price, total price); documentation demonstrating vendor is either the manufacturer or authorized distributer/reseller of the quoted products/services; and estimated delivery lead time. Each response must clearly indicate the capability of the vendor to meet all specifications and requirements. The Government may evaluate only those quotes that fully meet the requirements as outlined in the BOM and respond to the instructions and requirements below. Failure to furnish a full and complete quote as instructed may result in the Offeror’s response being considered non-responsive and will therefore be eliminated from further consideration and award. If not the manufacturer, Offerors shall be an authorized reseller for Allentown brand name or equal products. Documentation showing active authorized reseller status is requested with the quote. Only bona fide Allentown brand name or equal products are acceptable. All or part of the successful vendor’s quote may be incorporated in any contract resulting from this solicitation. The successful vendor’s quote may be incorporated by reference.

Quotes are due by 3:00pm EST on August 8, 2023. Quotes must be emailed to Seth Schaffer, Contract Specialist, at seth.schaffer@nih.gov. Late quotes will not be considered. All responsible sources may submit a quote that will be considered by this Agency. Any questions or concerns regarding this combined synopsis/solicitation should be emailed to seth.schaffer@nih.gov.

EVALUATION

NIAID will evaluate quotes to determine the best value to the government. NIAID will make that determination based on technical acceptability, past performance, and price. NIAID will evaluate past performance and price only for those quotes which are rated as technically acceptable. In the event quotes are evaluated as technically equal, past performance, price and/or delivery lead time will become major considerations in selecting the successful Offeror.

SPECIAL NOTICE TO OFFERORS

Offerors are advised that the Government may share your information with non-government personnel who are assisting with the evaluation of quotes. The exclusive responsibility for source selection will reside with the Government. By submitting your quote, you will be consenting to disclosure of your quote to non-government personnel for purposes of evaluation.

ELECTRONIC INVOICING

The successful offeror may submit an invoice once a shipment is delivered. NIAID will only accept invoices for units that have been delivered to NIAID.

NIH is using a phased transition approach from the NIH Office of Financial Management (OFM) Electronic Invoice Submission instructions to the Department of Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). For contractors that have transitioned to IPP, the Contractor must submit invoices to the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at https://www.ipp.gov. For contractors that have not transitioned to IPP, the Contractor shall submit invoices to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/Office of Financial Management (OFM) via email at invoicing@nih.gov with a copy to the approving official until the Contractor has been notified of its transition to IPP.

REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO

SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (SECTION 889)

All quoters shall complete the Representations and Certifications in System for Award Management (SAM).

The SAM website may be accessed at: https://sam.gov/content/home. Quoters shall complete Section 889 Representation 52.204-26 in SAM.gov or complete and INCLUDE the attached representation with your Quote.

PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES

The following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference to this acquisition:

FAR 52.203-18 – Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements – Representations (Jan 2017) FAR 52.204-7 – System for Award Management (Oct 2018) FAR 52.204-13 – System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018) FAR 52.204-16 – Commercial for Government Entity Code Reporting (Aug 2020) FAR 52.204-18 – Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Aug 2020) FAR 52.204-24 – Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021) FAR 52.204-26 – Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation (Oct 2020) FAR 52.209-7 – Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) FAR 52.212-1 – Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023) FAR 52.212-3 – Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Dec 2022) FAR 52.212-4 – Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Dec 2022) FAR 52.232-25 – Prompt Payment (Jan 2017) FAR 52.232-40 – Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Nov 2021) FAR 52.252-2 – Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

The following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions and clauses are incorporated in full text to this acquisition:

FAR 52.211-6 – Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999)

FAR 52.212-5 – Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Status or Executive Orders – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jun 2023)

FAR 52.217-5 – Evaluation of Options (Jul 1990) Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(End of provision)

FAR 52.217-7 – Option for Increased Quantity-Separately Priced Line Item (Mar 1989) The Government may require the delivery of the numbered line item, identified in the Schedule as an option item, in the quantity and at the price stated in the Schedule. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 14 days. Delivery of added items shall continue at the same rate that like items are called for under the contract, unless the parties otherwise agree.

(End of clause)

The following Department of Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) provisions and clauses are incorporated to this acquisition by reference:

HHSAR 352.203-70 – Anti-lobbying (Dec 2015) HHSAR 352.208-70 – Printing and Duplication (Dec 2015) HHSAR 352.222-70 – Contractor Cooperation in Equal Employment Opportunity Investigations (Dec 2015) HHSAR 352.223-70 – Safety and Health (Dec 2015)

HHSAR 352.224-71 – Confidential Information (Dec 2015) HHSAR 352.239-73 – Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Notice (Dec 2015) HHSAR 352.239-74 – Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility (Dec 2015)

The following Department of Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) provisions and clauses are incorporated to this acquisition by full text:

HHSAR 352.232-71 – Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (February 2, 2022)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause— Payment request means a bill, voucher, invoice, or request for contract financing payment with associated supporting documentation. The payment request must comply with the requirements identified in FAR 32.905(b), ‘‘Content of Invoices’’ and the applicable Payment clause included in this contract.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this clause, the Contractor shall submit payment requests electronically using the Department of Treasury Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) or successor system. Information regarding IPP, including IPP Customer Support contact information, is available at www.ipp.gov or any successor site.

(c) The Contractor may submit payment requests using other than IPP only when the Contracting Officer authorizes alternate procedures in writing in accordance with HHS procedures.

(d) If alternate payment procedures are authorized, the Contractor shall include a copy of the Contracting Officer’s written authorization with each payment request.

(End of Clause)