Flow Cytometer, and Special Lasers

This notice announces the intent by the U.S. Army Medical Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA), 820 Chandler St, Fort Detrick, Maryland, 21702, to award a sole source contract to Becton, Dickinson Co. (BD Co.). for a state-of-art flow cytometer (BD Fortessa) for both preclinical and clinical study flow cytometric assays, a Special BD FACSAria Fusion, and a Special BD LSRFortessa  for use in the Flow Cytometry Center (FCC), Malaria Vaccine Branch, USMMRP , at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR).  The proposed contract action is for supplies for which the government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the statutory authority 41 U.S.C. 1901.  FAR 13.501(a)(1)(i): Only one source reasonably available.

The WRAIR has a requirement for a state-of-art flow cytometer (BD Fortessa) for both preclinical and clinical study flow cytometric assays, to include a Special BD FACSAria Fusion and a Special BD LSRFortessa.  No other equipment on the market can satisfy the Government’s requirement.

An RFQ will be issued on a sole source basis.  The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement is 334516 and the size standard is 1,000 employees. 

This announcement fulfills the synopsis requirements under FAR 5.102(a)(6) and 5.203(a).  USAMRAA intends to publish a solicitation no sooner than 15 days after publishing this synopsis.  This Special Request for Information is not a request for competitive quotes.  Information received in response to this notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether a competitive procurement is in the best interest of the Government.  If no written responses are received by the date listed below, which reflects at least fifteen (15) days after the publication of this notice, the solicitation will be issued as sole source.  All questions and responses concerning this notice shall be emailed to Mr. Jared Acre at jared.d.acre.civ@mail.mil.