Notice of intent to sole source

THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTE

This notice is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government.  USDA/ARS/PWS intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC for the software updates and service agreement for the Axio Observer.Z1 Instrument.  This order has base and up to four option years.

The Sole Source Determination is based on 6.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes, and no solicitation package is available.  However, firms that believe they can fully meet the government’s requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the buyer via email lam.pham@usda.gov  within 3 days after publication of this synopsis.  Such documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis.  A determination by the government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely with the discretion of the government.  Oral communication is not acceptable in response to this notice.