Filter Photometer

This special notice is in accordance with FAR 5.2, Synopses of Proposed Contract Action. This is a notice of intent to make a sole source award and is not a solicitation or request for competitive quotes.

This award will be made utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with: Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-1(b)(1) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. (i) Contracting Officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deems only one source reasonably available.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil and Water Quality Lab at the USDA-ARS Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research Unit (CSWQRU) in Columbia, MO has a requirement to provide a filter photometer to analyze water samples, soil extracts, and plant tissue extracts for a wide range of dissolved constituents. This instrument must be identical to the existing instrument for efficiency and to provide long-term data continuity The only commercially available system is the filter photometer from ThermoFisher Scientific.  USDA-ARS MWA Procurement Office in Peoria, IL intends to make a firm fixed price sole source award under the authority of FAR 13 106 l(b)(l)(i) under the authority of FAR 13.106-l(b)(l)(i), only one responsible source, to:

Thermo Fisher Scientific.

1400 Northpoint, Pkwy Suite 10

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

The objective of this sole source award is to provide a filter photometer to analyze water samples, soil extracts, and plant tissue extracts for a wide range of dissolved constituents in the Soil and Water Quality Lab at the USDA-ARS Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research Unit (CSWQRU) in Columbia, MO. This instrument must be identical to the existing instrument for efficiency and to provide long-term data continuity.  The following technical requirements are included in the specifications:     

Specifications include:

• Single channel filter photometer
• Absorbance resolution of 0.001 A or better
• Minimum absorbance range: 0.0-3.0 A
• Minimum spectral range: 300 – 850 nm
• Minimum 10 filter positions
• Concurrent pH, conductivity, and photometric analysis
• Automated system for hands-free analysis
• Shipping and lift-gate delivery to 1406 E. Rollins Road, Columbia MO 65211
• Operates with 120 V or 240 V power supply

Brand Name or Equivalent:

Thermo Scientific Gallery Aqua Master with ECM.

As such, purchase from Thermo Fisher Scientific has been determined to be required as they are the only vendor available that meets all of the requirements outlined above.

The NAICS code for this requirement is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1000 employees. The PSC code for this requirement is 6640 Laboratory Equipment and Supplies. NO solicitation or solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is NOT a request for competitive quotations; however, interested vendors that regard themselves as capable of providing a product that can fulfill the requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Interested parties may identify their interests and capability to respond to this requirement by NO later than Thursday, May 9, 2024 (05/9/2024) at 11:00AM (CT) to Tiffany Reval at tiffany.reval@usda.gov. NO phone calls will be accepted. The e-mail subject line shall include: 12505B24Q0140 Filter Photometer.

Any submission in response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence as well as be in sufficient enough detail to show that they can provide a product that would meet the Government’s need and that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement.

Again, this is NOT a request for competitive quotes. This notice is for informational purposes only. Responses received shall be considered by the agency; however, determination by the Government whether or not to compete this proposed award upon response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. No reimbursement for any cost connected with providing capability information will be provided