Mettler Toledo Titrator Excellence T7 and InMotion Pro autosampler Sole Source

NAICS Code: 333997
The U.S. Forest Service, under the authority of the FAR Subpart 13.5 authority of 41 U.S.C. 1901; (modified FAR 6.302-1), intends to issue a firm fixed price, sole source purchase order to METTLER-TOLEDO.
Purchase of Mettler Toledo Titrator Excellence T7 and InMotion Pro autosampler, along with all necessary accessories. Purpose is to conduct measurements of Ph, Acid Neutralization Capacity, and Specific Conductance in water samples affiliated with short and long-term research studies at the Forestry Sciences laboratory in Grand Rapids, MN. The Forestry Sciences laboratory in Grand Rapids, MN requires use of LabX Titration software in order to maintain consistency and comparability to datasets dating back as long as 60 years. Our current instrumentation operates on a LabX platform, and the methods are directly compatible and transferable to the proposed instrument to be purchased. LabX is patented by Mettler Toledo LLC and is not available from any other source. Quotes have been solicited from multiple sources in the past. Upon purchase of a "comparable" instrument within the last 5 years, it was determined that we were delivered false information on the capabilities and it was returned to the vendor. The inability to use a Gran plot method and create comparable methodologies were the primary justifications for the return. It is our upmost intent to assure that this does not happen again. Quotes were solicited from multiple sources in the past. The Mettler Toledo Titrator Excellence T7, along with InMotion Pro autosampler and all required accessories best fit the analytical requirements of the Grand Rapids Forestry Sciences laboratory as well as all other collaborators involved with us and our research.

In addition, we require the use of a Gran plot method for measurement of Acid Neutralization Capacity.
Much research has been done on "comparable" instrumentation and methodology and we have determined that Mettler Toledo LLC is the only vendor that can supply the means. A single setpoint or first derivative process does not suffice. Quoted cost of the Mettler Toledo Titrator Excellence T7, along with InMotion Pro autosampler and all required accessories is $66,129.42 Other instrumentation considered does not posess features and capabilities required by the Grand Rapids Forestry Sciences laboratory. We have done investigative studies, where identical samples were analyzed on Mettler Toledo instrumentation and "comparable" instrumentation. The required consistency and comparability of sample values could not be met, despite our best efforts and modifications.

NO SOLICITATION OR REQUEST FOR QUOTE IS AVAILABLE. Contractor selected is capable of supplying the requirements because of their experience within this field of study and have the necessary products to adequately provide these services. Notwithstanding, interested parties who believes they are capable of meeting Forest Service requirements as stated herein may submit a response that shows clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government in future procurements. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals or a solicitation of offers. A determination not to compete the proposed Purchase Order based upon the responses is solely within the discretion of the Government. All questions should be directed to David Easter via email to dceaster@fs.fed.us no later than 11:59 am CST 10 calendar days after the date of this announcement. Telephone inquiries are discouraged.

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