Intent to Sole Source x-ray imaging system

Added: Aug 08, 2016 4:46 pm Pursuant to FAR 13.106(b), USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), intends to award a sole source supply contract in that only one source and no other supplies will satisfy agency requirements. The contract will be a firm-fixed price contract under FAR PART 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items with FAXITRON BIOPTICS LLC, 3440 E BRITANNIA DR STE 150, TUCSON, AZ, 85706-5006. The USDA-APHIS-S&T-CPHST Miami Laboratory located at 13601 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33158, has a requirement for a table-top cabinet x-ray imaging system. The complete solicitation and sole source justification are attached. The requirement is for a table-top cabinet x-ray imaging system with energy range between 10-50 kV and maximum 1.0 mA current. USDA-APHIS-S&T-CPHST intends to use the equipment to develop methods for detecting plant pests in commodities at PPQ field Plant Inspection Stations and CBP quarantine inspection facilities across the country. We will image commodities such as seeds, fruits, vegetables, and wood products to identify abnormalities created by insect feeding and develop methods for detecting plant pests in commodities, such as seeds, fruits, vegetables, and wood products. X-ray imaging is a useful method for pest detection because it is not destructive to the commodity. We require detailed images with high resolution and 8x magnification capability to see subtle abnormalities in seeds and other commodities. The requirement is essential to meeting the government's needs. This is a notice of intent to sole source with fair opportunity for all responsible sources to see the solicitation and respond if capable. All responsible sources capable providing the supply item may submit a response which shall be considered by the agency. The response must explain completely and in detail how their item meets the complete requirements indicated in the justification and SOW (address each characteristic) and must include all information requested in the solicitation (see attached). Interested sources who submit data are responsible for appropriately marking information if it is proprietary in nature. The Government will not reimburse participants for information they provide.  Information provided is strictly voluntary. Please email responses to Patricia Simon at patricia.m.simon@aphis.usda.gov no later than the time indicated below. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Telephonic inquiries will not be honored. Closing date for submission is 08/22/2016, at 3:00 p.m. central time. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 334516 with a small business size standard of less than 1000 employees.