Calibration of Pipettes and Other Scientific Equipment at NBAF in Manhattan, KS

This is a Sources Sought Notice ONLY. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area Office is issuing this sources sought notice as a means of conducting market research to identify any potential sources capable of providing calibration services of pipettes and other scientific equipment at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan Kansas.  The calibration services need to be well-documented and properly coordinated to ensure a well maintained and effectively functioning pipette and scientific equipment calibration system.

The quantity of equipment needed to be calibrated each year is expected to vary slightly based on the growth of the lab. At this time an estimated 54 pipettes, both single and multichannel, need calibration. A fluctuation of 5-10 pipettes could be expected over the period of performance. Additionally, 14 pieces of general lab equipment is estimated to need calibration.  Please see the attached DRAFT Performance Work Statement (PWS) for specific information about this requirement.  USDA intends to award one firm fixed-price contract for a base period of one year, plus two option periods of one (1) year each.

This notice does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ)/Invitation for Bid (IFB)/Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFQ, IFB or RFP in the future. This notice does not commit the USDA to contract for any supply or service. Further, the U.S. Government is not seeking quotes, bids or proposals at this time and will not accept unsolicited proposals in response to this Sources Sought notice. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. Submittals will not be returned to the responder. A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. However, if a competitive solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Governmentwide Point of Entry. It is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor the Governmentwide Point of Entry for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

In response to this sources sought notice, please see the attached DRAFT PWS, then provide the following information:

1. Name of the firm, point of contact, phone number, email address, SAM uei number, CAGE code, identify business size (large business or a small business), and if applicable, a statement regarding small business status (including small business type(s)/certifications(s) such as SDB, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, etc.) and the corresponding NAICS code.
2. Information to help determine if the required services are commercially available from one source, along with delivery/schedule concerns, customary terms and conditions, warranties, etc.
3. Identify any condition or action that may be having the effect of unnecessarily restricting competition with respect to this acquisition and identify alternatives or solution solutions. Provide the specific aspects that unreasonably restrict competition and the rationale for such conclusion.