Automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) workstation (ASPEC GX-271)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A SINGLE-SOURCE CONTRACT                        
Special Notice: FD-2024-039                        
NOAA/NMFS/Northwest Fisheries Science Center                        
                        
In compliance with FAR Subpart 13 coupled with the provisions set forth by FAR Subpart 5.101(a)(1), this Notice is hereby published to inform of the following:                        
                        
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1),  with Gilson Inc.                         
                        
Using the procedures of FAR Part 13 the requirement is to procure the following: Automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) workstation that satisfies NWFSC laboratory needs for scientific applications, including high sample capacity, high variability in volumes, integrated evaporation unit, double syringe pump, software controlled and other features.                        
                        
The applicable Size Standard is North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 334516 with a Small business size standard of 1000 EMP.                        
                        
The Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce (DOC), is a government agency charged with the mission of stewardship for living marine resources. The Environmental Chemistry Program (ECP) uses a 15-year-old, labor-intense, and manual solid-phase extraction (SPE) system in several protocols for the analysis of anthropogenic contaminants as well as naturally occurring biomolecules in fish and marine mammals to support the agency’s mission. Their current manual SPE system runs hundreds of samples per year. This outdated system is very labor-intense, creating critical limitations for the laboratory to be involved in new research and conduct the research they are already engaged in, as well as training others in the lab, which is aggravated by a very limited staff number.                         
"TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: 

Purchase of an automated SPE workstation that includes, but is not limited to the following features:

• Perform automated SPE using positive pressure and electronically controlled via computer + software included with the SPE workstation
• Installation conducted by trained field technicians from the instrument manufacturer
• Accommodate 1, 3, and 6mL SPE cartridges.
• Compatible with SPE cartridges from third-party vendors including the most common brands such as Waters and Phenomenex SPE cartridges. 
• Holding 4 different solvent reservoirs (minimum of 500 mL each) for performing complex SPE protocols.
• Dual pump: must be able to adapt to different volumes if needed in complex protocols for accuracy in varying volumes with a dual pump/dual syringe option
• Have to handle syringes ranging from 250uL to 25mL of volume capacity for flexible and complex SPE protocols and accurate volumes. 
• Each syringe must have integrated pressure sensors for detecting flow problems in the SPE cartridges.
• Have a large capacity for SPE cartridges (minimum): 100 x 1-mL, 55 x 3-mL, or 45 x 6-mL cartridges.
• Have a sample throughput of over 120 samples per day
• Have a large capacity for accommodating test tubes, vials, and microplates for sample loading and eluting fraction collection with one of the following (minimum): 400 x 10-mm tubes, 250 x 13-mm tubes, 180 x 15-mm tubes, 180 x 17-mm tubes, 180 70-mm tubes, or 4 x 96-well plates. 
• Flexible z-position for different tube heights reaching near 180mm clearance to fit SPE cartridges (6-mL) and 75mm height collection tubes. 
• Ability to rinse needles efficiently to minimize cross-contamination (external and internal rinsing units).
• System must incorporate an automated evaporation unit, for concentrating final extracts.   
• Minimum warranty of 1 year and offer maintenance and service contracts 
• Maximum footprint/dimensions (W x D): 24 x 22 inches to fit in our fume hood and provide extra space for handling samples. Must have shelving/stacking assembling options integrated with the SPE workstation

DELIVERY SCHEDULE: 70 days after receipt of order including installation"                        
**THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS AND NO SOLICITATION PACKAGE IS AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, FIRMS THAT BELIEVE THEY CAN FULLY MEET THE GOVERNMENT'S REQUIREMENTS MAY SUBMIT SUBSTANTIATING DOCUMENTATION IN WRITING TO THE IDENTIFIED POINT OF CONTACT WITHIN 15 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THIS SYNOPSIS. SUCH DOCUMENTATION WILL BE EVALUATED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING WHETHER OR NOT TO CONDUCT THIS PROCUREMENT ON A COMPETITIVE BASIS. A DETERMINATION BY THE GOVERNMENT NOT TO CONDUCT A COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT, BASED UPON RESPONSES TO THIS NOTICE, IS SOLELY WITHIN THE DISCRETION OF THE GOVERNMENT. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.                        
                        
                       
Attachments                        
Single Source Determination