Notice of Intent to Negotiate a Sole Source Contract

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), National Operations Center (NOC), Print Mail Center (PMC), in St. Louis, MO intends to negotiate a sole source contract with Gibbs Technology, dba Digital, Inc. (GFI) for the procurement of a Plockmatic inline high speed booklet maker, trimmer, and waste conveyor compatible with the existing Ricoh Pro 8110e printer.  This Plockmatic equipment is the only equipment available that is compatible with the Ricoh Pro 8110e printer and meets the required specifications.  The Plockmatic finishing equipment required is manufactured solely for use with Ricoh print/copy equipment and may only be purchased from an authorized Ricoh dealer.  GFI is the sole provider of Ricoh printers and finishing equipment in Missouri. 

In addition, NASS requires a maintenance contract for service of the Plockmatic finishing equipment.  Service and maintenance must be performed on all units as a whole, to include the Ricoh Pro 8110e printer and all finishing systems.  GFI holds the current contract for maintenance of the Ricoh Pro 811e printer and will cover all Plockmatic finishing equipment under the existing maintenance contract.  As such, only GFI is able to provide maintenance on the Plockmatic finishing equipment.

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 equal or superior services are encouraged to identify themselves and provide a substantive statement with descriptive literature and any other supporting information to the Contracting Officer by the closing time of this notice.  All information received within the established timeframe will be considered by the Government to determine if more than one firm can meet the Government's requirements and is capable of providing equal or superior services.  All responses must be in writing and should be emailed to molly.jackson@ars.usda.gov.  Questions concerning this acquisition must be directed to Molly Jackson at the above contact information.