Intent to Sole Source to Thermo Fisher Scientific for Specialized Scientific Equipment (KingFisher Apex)

Introduction:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Western Acquisition Division intends to negotiate, on a sole-source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Thermo Fisher Scientific Chemicals, Inc./Life Science Technologies. This sole-source determination is based on NOAA's requirement that Thermo Fisher Scientific Chemicals, Inc. is the sole entity capable of meeting the specified requirements and objectives.

Description:
Thermo Fisher Scientific Chemicals, Inc./Life Science Technologies is the only provider uniquely qualified to supply the Thermo Scientific KingFisher Apex purification system, which is required by the Genetics & Evolution Program within the Conservation Biology Division at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC). The KingFisher Apex is essential for the program's advanced genetic and genomic research supporting marine species conservation in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. This system must be compatible with existing protocols, prevent cross-sample contamination, and include a warranty and service contract. The KingFisher Apex is a programmable, magnetic bead-based purification system with customizable protocols, capable of processing up to 96 samples per run. It also includes integrated heating/cooling features, flexible software, and multiple magnetic head options.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Chemicals, Inc. is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the KingFisher Apex system and holds exclusive access to the proprietary components, software, and technical support required for the effective operation and servicing of the system. Given the scientific specificity and importance of the KingFisher Apex for ongoing and Inflation Reduction Act-funded projects, no other vendor can meet NOAA’s critical requirements without risking delays or compromising research quality.

Objective:
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 supporting documentation in writing to the identified point of contact (below) within the allotted timeframe after publication. Such documentation will be evaluated solely to determine whether to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the government's discretion. Oral communications are NOT acceptable in response to this notice.

Capability statements are due no later than 10 SEPT 2024, at 12:00 EST. All correspondence sent via email must contain a subject line that includes "143041-24-0232." To ensure receipt, attachments must be less than 20 MB in total. It is the offeror's responsibility to confirm receipt with the government before the due date and time. Capability statements should be submitted by email ONLY as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachment to:

Jacob Gray
Email: jacob.gray@noaa.gov
Phone: 210.400.9512