Respirometry Instrumentation/Two Oxygen Microrespirator Systems

This special notice is in accordance with FAR 5.2, Synopses of Proposed Contract Action. This Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive quotes. This is not a solicitation or request for quote.

The USDA-ARS Dairy Forage Research Center (Russell Lab) in Madison, WI has a need to purchase two new Oxygen Microrespirator Systems to measure oxygen consumption by larva bees as well as their symbiotic microbe.   Only one source has been found with such the system and capabilities we require with no other products available on the market that will satisfy all user requirements. A prior year acquisition for the same equipment was made - no responses were received to the sources sought that was issued – no responses received. RFQ was issued and only one quote was received from the vendor we intend to make the award to. USDA-ARS Dairy Forage in Madison, WI intends to make a sole source award to Unisense.  The Oxygen Microrespirator from Unisense is the only product that meets our needs  based on platform, application, and validated laboratory methods. As such, we intend to make a sole source award to Unisense.

Please see the attached specifications for additional details. 

This purchase 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 deem only one source reasonably available. NAICS code for this requirement will be 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing with a small business size of 1,000 employees. The PSC code for this requirement will be 6630.

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 September 17, 2021 (09/17/2021) at 1:00PM (CST). 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.

It is anticipated that the award will be made before September 30, 2021 (09/30/2021). 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.