Service to Delta V Advantage Isotope Ratio (IRMS) Mass Spectrometer System s/n 08075D

This special notice is in accordance with FAR 5.2, Synopses of Proposed Contract Action. This is a notice of intent to make a sole source award and is not a solicitation or request for competitive quotes.

This award 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 deems only one source reasonably available.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Ames, IA has a need to upgrade and maintain their existing Delta V Isotope Ratio (IRMS) Mass Spectrometer s/n 08075D.  The only commercially available system is the Thermo Electron North America LLC.  USDA-ARS MWA Procurement Office in Peoria, IL intends to make a firm fixed price sole source award under the authority of FAR 13 106 l(b)(l)(i), only one responsible source, to:

Thermo Electron North America LLC
1400 Northpoint Pkwy Ste 10
West Palm Beach, FL 33407-1976

The objective of this sole source award is to provide inspection of the current Delta V Isotope Ratio (IRMS) Mass Spectrometer serial number 08075D.  The following tasks are also required:

Covered components will include:

1)         Delta V Advantage IRMS s/n 08075D
2)         Linked Elemental Analyzer (EA) Flash 2000
3)         Linked GasBench II

Service tasks include, but are not limited to:

1)         Upgrade the IRMS software to a new computer (USDA will supply the computer) which has a Windows 10 operating system, 64-bit. 
2)         Isodat software will be migrated to the new computer.
3)         Eager Xperience software will be migrated to the new computer.
4)         Peripheral devices will be migrated to the new computer.
5)         IRMS will be serviced to meet OEM operating specifications or as close to installation specifications as possible. This may include but is not limited to the following:
a.         Adjusting capillaries in the Conflo III
b.         Adjusting or resetting capillaries at the IRMS introduction interface
c.         Calibrating the system
d.         Cleaning the system
e.         Tuning the system
6)         Ensuring operational sensitivity.
7)         Ensuring operational precision for isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen of an external acetanilide standard.
8)         Eliminate any leaks in the system.
9)         The main peripheral device linked to the IRMS is the Flash 2000 EA.  The linked system will properly communicate with the computer.
10)       The Flash EA will properly deliver sample to the IRMS.
11)       If time allows the GasBench II capillaries will be inspected and repaired.
12)       If time permits the GasBench II will be linked to the IRMS and operating at OEM specifications.

This service request does not include any parts. 

As such, purchase from Thermo Electron North America LLC. has been determined to be required as they are the only vendor available that meets all of the requirements outlined above.

The NAICS code for this requirement is 811210 (Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance) with a small business size standard of $34M dollars. The PSC code for this requirement is K099 (Modification of Equipment Miscellaneous). 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 Friday, April 26, 2024 (04/26/2024) at 11:00AM (CT) to Tiffany Reval at tiffany.reval@usda.gov. NO phone calls will be accepted. The e-mail subject line shall include: 12505B24Q0123 Delta V Advantage Isotope Ratio (IRMS) Mass Spectrometer System s/n 08075D.

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.

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.