Notice of Intent to Sole Source BaySpec Portability Mass Spectrometer

This special notice is in accordance with FAR 5.2, Synopses of Proposed Contract Action. This is a notice of intent to make a sole source award and is not a solicitation or request for competitive quotes.

This award will be made utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with: Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-1(b)(1) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. (i) Contracting Officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deems only one source reasonably available.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) in Peoria, IL has a need to upgrade and maintain their existing BaySpec Portability Mass Spectrometer.  The only commercially available system is the BaySpec, Inc.  USDA-ARS MWA Procurement Office in Peoria, IL intends to make a firm fixed price sole source award under the authority of FAR 13 106 l(b)(l)(i) under the authority of FAR 13.106-l(b)(l)(i), only one responsible source, to:

BaySpec Inc.

1101 McKay Dr

San Jose, CA 95131-1706

The objective of this sole source award is to provide inspection of the current BaySpec model Portability mass spectrometer, part number MS-P-El-50-650, serial number M21DK061.  The following tasks are also required:           

• Upgrade said instrument to enable tandem mass spectrometry
• Clean vacuum chamber
• Replace capillary inlet
• Replace damaged parts, as needed
• Make repairs and upgrades on siteEfficient measurement of large (up to 25 cm wide), small (less than 1 cm 2 area) and irregular leaf types

As such, purchase from BaySpec, Inc, Inc. has been determined to be required as they are the only vendor available that meets all of the requirements outlined above.

The NAICS code for this requirement is 811210 (Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and

Maintenance) with a small business size standard of $34 Million. The PSC code for this requirement is J066 Maint/Repair/Rebuild of Equipment – Instruments and Laboratory Equipment. NO solicitation or solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is NOT a request for competitive quotations; however, interested vendors that regard themselves as capable of providing a product that can fulfill the requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Interested parties may identify their interests and capability to respond to this requirement by NO later than Tuesday, April 23, 2024 (04/23/2024) at 2:00PM (CT) to Debora Wells at debora.wells@usda.gov. NO phone calls will be accepted. The e-mail subject line shall include: 12505B24Q0097NOITSS BaySpec Portability Mass Spectrometer.

Any submission in response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence as well as be in sufficient enough detail to show that they can provide a product that would meet the Government’s need and that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement.

Again, this is NOT a request for competitive quotes. This notice is for informational purposes only. Responses received shall be considered by the agency; however, determination by the Government whether or not to compete this proposed award upon response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. No reimbursement for any cost connected with providing capability information will be provided