Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Serstech ArxTM mkII Portable SERS Device

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Business Support Branch intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the statutory authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), with Field Forensics to furnish and deliver one (1) Serstech ArxTM mkII Portable SERS Device system which will be used to identify, evaluate, and validate novel technologies for use in rapidly detecting and identifying freshwater and marine biotoxins in field-based settings (i.e., outside the laboratory). The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a business size standard of 1,000 employees.

The primary function of the ArxTM mkII SERS device shall be for use in the detection and identification of freshwater and marine biotoxins in diverse field settings included, but not limited to, state and tribal harmful algal bloom monitoring programs, aquaculture operations, and community/citizen science organizations. Such applications require that the device be rugged, compact (i.e., hand-held), lightweight, and fully portable. Equally, if not more important, the device must be capable of implementing Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)-based analysis of samples with minimal or no clean-up required, and yield high-quality, repeatable SERS-based spectral data for the biotoxin compounds being targeted. The device shall be intrinsically capable of executing SERS-based analysis using a dedicated, custom-designed SERS adaptor (and associated SERS discs) that can be easily implemented via simple attachment of the adaptor in the field. The device shall incorporate use of a linear CMOS detector (or equivalent) in order to enhance sensitivity (detection requirements are at the low ppm to ppb levels) and reduce interference from sample fluorescence that can cause a reduction in the signal:noise ratio thereby adversely affecting sensitivity. The device shall be capable of generating SERS spectral data exhibiting a signal:noise ratio of at least 50:1. The device shall also employ autofocus technology with performance specifications equivalent to (or surpassing) Serstech’s proprietary SharpEyeTM, which accounts for the thickness of different containers/vessels holding the material to be analyzed and is critical for SERS applications whereby the laser is focused exactly and precisely at the level of the SERS disc surface. Finally, the availability of a standard biotoxin Raman spectral library and a specialized SERS-based biotoxin spectral library, including compounds relevant to the unit’s intended application for biotoxin detection and identification, is essential. In conclusion, it is deemed that only the Serstech ArxTM mkII SERS device meets all of the above criteria essential for executing the intended application of this technology and since the company Field Forensics, Inc. represents the only authorized reseller of this specific Serstech device, this procurement action is being identified as a single source acquisition.

This special notice is not a solicitation for competitive quotes, nor will one be posted on Contract Opportunities. However, if an interested party believes that it is capable of meeting the requirements and be in compliance with the above justification, they may submit substantiating documentation in writing within the open period of this notice. Responses can be sent via e-mail to scott.beliveau@noaa.gov. Documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

All responsible sources may submit a Capability Statement in accordance with the solicitation, which shall be considered by the agency if received on or before 11:00 AM EDT on August 28, 2024. The Capability Statement must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements.

All electronic correspondence shall have the subject line read:
Announcement Number: 1333MG-24-Q-0152
Project Title: Serstech ArxTM mkII Portable SERS Device

It is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure that any submission transmitted to the specified Government representative(s) is received prior to the due date specified herein.

All contractors doing business with this office must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). No award can be made to a company not registered in SAM. For additional information and to register in SAM, please access the following web site: www.sam.gov.

The notice will remain open from 8/19/2024 to 8/28/2024.