Notice of Intent to Negotiate a Sole Source Contract

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis to Research International, Inc., of Monroe, Washington for a SASS 2300 Air Sampling Systme with transport case, tripod and adapter,rechargeable battery and battery charger under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. This is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the SASS 2300 air sampling system. The SASS air samplers meet our needs for determining the airborne occurrence and transmission of a variety of microorganisms and/or their indicators, in a variety of different environments. The SASS 2300 samplers are versatile--airborne particulates are collected in a sample fluid volume which can then be used to enumerate the viable microorganisms, used to enrich and detect low level target pathogens, and/or used to isolate DNA for gene detection or microbial community analysis. The ability to air sample for long time periods increases the sensitivity of microbial detection. With the power cord, collection cycles can be several days long; with the rechargeable batteries, air can be collected for up to 24 hours. The batteries further allow the portability and versatility of the SASS 2300 units for field uses. Multiple SASS units allow air to be sampled upwind, downwind, and at different distances from a source site at the same time under the same environmental conditions, which is critical for determining risks associated with airborne pathogens.

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 service are encouraged to identify themselves and provide a substantive statement with descriptive literature and any other supporting information to the Contracting Officer within 10 days of publication of this notice. All information received within 10 days of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government to determine if the alternative equipment 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 Donita Furman, fax 402-762-4145, or email at donita.furman@ars.usda.gov. Questions concerning this acquisition must be directed to Donita Furman, email donita.furman@ars.usda.gov.