Single Purchase of an Agilent 8890 GC System Custom with dual ECD detectors

This is a notice of intent, not a request for a quotation. A solicitation document will not be issued, and quotations will not be requested.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to award a fixed price contract on a sole source basis to Agilent Technologies, Inc. for the purchase, delivery and installation of an Agilent 8890 GC System with dual electron capture detectors and dual split/splitless inlets.

The requirement is to perform PCB and pesticide analysis on soil and water samples using multiple EPA methods including 8081B and 8082A. The autosampler must contain 150 sample positions and be able to deliver samples and standards from the sample vials into the GC inlet. The GC must contain two inlets that are electronic pneumatic controlled (EPC) with standard and inert flow path with split/splitless capillary inlet (S/SL). Agilent Technologies, Inc. is the only vendor that can supply the requisite equipment supporting efficiency and transferability of use with the supporting equipment components that result in the best value to the government.

The continued use of products from this manufacturer allows for ease of continued operation, as all current analysts have been thoroughly trained in the use and maintenance of Agilent GCs. Continuity of instrumentation will also allow for easier and quicker training of new employees as well as cross-training existing employees. The new GC-ECD manufactured by Agilent Technologies, Inc., are compatible with the laboratory’s current quality system, operational equipment and existing sample analysis policies and procedures. As a result, procurement from the vendor represents the best value to the government and provides the only source of supply.

This purchase will be made utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with Federal Regulation (FAR) Part 13.106-1(b)(1) for purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold of $350,000.00. Pursuant to the authority granted by 41 U.S.C.253(c) (1), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements as implemented by FAR 6.302-1. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Mission Support’s Acquisition and Grants Management’s Branch intends to issue a task order to Agilent Technologies, Inc. for the purchase, delivery and installation of an Agilent 8890 GC System.
The sole source nature of this requirement is based on the determination Agilent Technologies, Inc is the only organization that can support this requirement. Market research reflects that Agilent Technologies, Inc. is the only source for the Agilent 8890 GC System. No other source meets the requirement.
The determination not to compete this proposed contract action is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered for the purposes of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred by responding to this notice.
Questions or comments to this Notice of Intent should be directed to the Contracting Officer, Megan Wallace, Wallace.megan@epa.gov and/or the Contract Specialist, Femi Obadina, Obadina.olufemi@epa.gov. Please indicate in the subject of your email: Notice of Intent Submission: Requisition PR-R4-26-00172.