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,
Inc./Life Science Technologies. This sole-source determination is based on
NOAA's requirement that Thermo Fisher Scientific dba Life Science Technologies. 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, 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.
Correspondence sent via email must contain a subject line that includes
"143041-25-0009." To ensure receipt, attachments must be less than 20 MB
in total. It is the vendor'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:
Sandra Caswell
Email: sandra.caswell@noaa.gov