Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Foss Infratec Nova Grain Analyzer

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE A SOLE SOURCE AWARD.  This is not a request for competitive quotes/proposals.  This is not a solicitation.  The USDA Agricultural Research Service will award a sole source Firm Fixed Price contract to Foss North America under the authority of FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b).  The purpose of this order is to provide the following item to support the USDA-ARS Grain Quality Structure Research Unit (GQSRU) at the Manhattan, KS location.

One (1) Foss Infratec Nova Grain Analyzer, standard version, with accessories and one year of service along with four option years of service.  This instrument is an upgrade to an existing Foss instrument.  Foss is the sole manufacturer and seller of this analyzer.  GQSRU has used Foss instruments for over 30 years; the Foss Infratec Nova is compatible with these previous Foss instruments.  Use of any other instrument would force recalibration.  Purchase of the Foss Infratec Nova will maintain a continuity of research objectives and integrity of data.

Responsible sources may submit technical capability statement along with business profile to Mark Robinson, Purchasing Agent, mark.robinson2@usda.gov no later than 4:00 PM CDT, Friday May 1, 2020, which shall be considered by the Agency.  Any information received will be treated as market research information for future of same or similar requirements.  A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government.  The Government will be the sole determiner regarding an offeror’s ability to meet all requirements.