Notice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), intends to negotiate on a sole source basis for the extension/renewal of a service agreement for two robotic systems (1 PlateMate Plus and 1 PlateMate 2x2) manufactured by Matrix Technologies (now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific) HUDSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE which are located at the USDA-ARS-NPA Cereal Crops Research Unit in Fargo, North Dakota. The service agreement includes coverage of the 96 channel pipetting head and in-factory refurbishment and validation of the pipetting head, as well as preventive maintenance of each base unit, parts, labor, and travel. It also includes overnight shipping of user-replaceable components. This is a notice of intent and is not a request for competitive quotations or proposals. No solicitation is available. Firms that believe they can provide this equipment/system are encouraged to identify themselves and provide a substantive statement with descriptive literature and any other supporting information to the Contracting Officer within 15 days of publication of this notice. All information received within 15 days of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government to determine if the alternative equipment/system meets the Government's requirements and is capable of performing the intended task(s). All responses must be in writing and may be faxed to the attention of James C. Wiltse, fax 970-492-7031, or email at james.wiltse@ars.usda.gov. Questions concerning this acquisition must be directed to James C. Wiltse, email james.wiltse@ars.usda.gov.