Biosystems Real Time PCR System

Special Notice Number: NFFK700-20-02795

Agency: Department of Commerce
Office: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Location: National Marine Fisheries Service, National Seafood Inspection Laboratory (NSIL)

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Marine Fisheries Service National Seafood Inspection Laboratory intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), to Fisher Scientific to procure Applied Biosystems 7500 FAST Real Time PCR system with four additional years of preventative maintenance to enhance the lab’s ability to assist in their mission to keep seafood safe and to promote the seafood market.   

The sole source determination is based on National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service, National Seafood Inspection Laboratory’s requirement for the Applied Biosystems 7500 FAST Real Time PCR to begin using DNA testing for confirmation analyses of Salmonella spp.  This system is the only one available that is approved for this methodology by the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference, which is the governing body for the regulation of shellfish, for the analyses of shellfish for Vibrio species.  The other system that is called for in the methodology is no longer available for purchase and is no longer supported by the manufacturer. 

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.  Submissions are due no later than July 31, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.  Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.  Responses may be emailed to Karen.Beck@noaa.gov.  A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. It is the Government's belief that only Applied Biosystems, a subsidiary of Fisher Scientific can provide the requirement stated above.