Portable Leaf Area Meter

THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

Under the authority of FAR 13.106, the USDA FS Northern Research Station, NRS 13, Rhinelander, WI intends to award, on a sole source basis, a Firm Fixed Delivery Order for a LI-COR LI-3000CAP Portable Leaf Area Meter Conveyor Accessory Package. The LI-3000CAP is the world’s only combination package that includes a portable leaf area meter (LI-3000C) plus a transparent belt conveyor accessory (LI-3050C). The LI-3000CAP is a portable, lightweight, and non-destructive instrument used to obtain leaf area measurements from normal, irregularly-shaped, and perforated leaves. In addition, the LI-3000CAP provides high-throughput measurements of leaf area, length, average width, and maximum width at a resolution of 1 mm2, and the package includes the ability to save at least 115,000 measurements within the instrument for future downloading to a computer. The LI-3000CAP also has a minimum battery life of 15 hours on a single charge. Lastly, the LI-3000CAP not only records measurements of attached leaves but also detached leaves, allowing for high-throughput, destructive field sampling.

Measuring area, length, and width of leaves needs to be done on fresh green leaves. The studies we are engaged in involve measuring thousands of poplar and willow leaves in single batches from trees grown in soils from contaminated sites throughout the country. We need a leaf area meter that is capable of high throughput immediately after the leaves are sampled.

In addition, this instrument will be used alongside other LI-COR Leaf Area instruments owned by collaborators and used by our team on previous studies during the last four decades. Thus, it is necessary that we use IDENTICAL instrumentation for all data collected in our studies in order to be able to compare and publish results while maintaining scientific integrity and consistency.

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. This is a notice of intent to solicit and award a sole source contract under statutory authority in accordance with both 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) and FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). Proposed award date on or about 04 June 2024 with an estimate 30-day shipping after receipt of order. The Proposed contract action is for supplies which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1 (b)(1)(i).

Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. This notice of intent is NOT a request for proposals or quotations; it is a market research tool being utilized to determine the availability and adequacy of potential sources prior to awarding the contract. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government and does not restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. All inquiries on this action can be submitted in writing via e-mail to Jonathan.betancur@usda.gov no later than 02 June 2024 at 2359 hours EDT. All information shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the Government. Additionally, all documentation shall become the property of the Government. Firms responding must indicate the following information: Indicate the business size, and UEI number.

Contract type will be a Firm-Fixed Price. NAICS code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE