Intent to Sole Source a Near Infrared Analyzer (NIRS) Foss DS2500

This is NOT a request for quote-
USDA, ARS, CGBRU intends to award a sole source purchase order to FOSS North America, Inc. 7682 Executive Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 for a Near Infrared Analyzer (NIRS) Foss DS2500. Only the new NIRS DS2500 Spectrometer System is fully backward and forward compatible with the no longer supported, but currently owned and operated NIRS6500. All of the stored data and calibrations need to be kept and can therefore be moved to the new NIRS DS2500 F. The NIRS DS2500 F can be fully integrated so there will be a flawless transfer of data that has been accumulated for over 5 years and must be maintained and referenced by researchers without compromise to ensure no loss or compromise of data collected. Only FOSS North America can change the firmware for system integration to the NIRS DS2500 F due to proprietary reasons. FOSS North America is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of this technology and is the sole holder of the IP surrounding this technology.
The instrument is a complex System and our research requires cross-year comparability. Therefore only the manufacturer can guarantee and certify that the instrument operates within its stated specs and it is the only way we can ensure cross-year comparability. Our justification to award is in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.
All inquiries on this action can be submitted in writing via email to juan.gaytan@ars.usda.gov NO LATER THAN 24 JUL 2018 @ 8:15AM EST. All information shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the Government..