Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Legacy CO-RE Multi-Probe Head Upgrade

Notice of Intent: The USDA, ARS, WBSC intends to award a sole source procurement to Hamilton Robotics, 4970 Energy Way, Reno, NV 89502, as they are the sole source for this type of instrument pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(l ) and FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. The award will be for a Legacy CO-RE Multi-Probe Head Upgrade. This is an upgrade to the Genomics and Bioinformatics Research Unit of the USDA-ARS, Stoneville, MS., existing Hamilton Star liquid handling robot. The upgrade will be a change from the exiting 300ul 96 channel head for a 1000ul 96 channel head. The 96 channel head must have liquid detection capabilities. The head must be able to offset and load varying combinations of tips compatible with other components of the system. Positional accuracy of the head must within 1/10mm increments. The head must be fully compatible with existing Hamilton Star systems and control software. Installation of the head on the existing system must occur in Stoneville MS and existing programs must be validated with newly installed head. The installation process cannot invalidate existing service contracts presently held by Hamilton Robotics.

The Government intends to award a firm fixed price Purchase Order on or about September 20, 2018, using Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This Notice of Intent is not considered a Request for Quotation (RFQ) nor is it a Request for Proposals (RFP). No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be honored. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government will consider all responses received by 4:30PM central time, September 19, 2018. Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquiries will only be accepted via mail to the Contracting Officer at the following address:
Contracting Office Address:
USDA-ARS-WBSC
1001 Holleman Dr. East
College Station, TX 77840
Attn: Joseph Covarrubio

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