Intent to Award Sole Source; Apricot S3, PGQP Liquid Handler for PCR Based Detection

9/1/2023 12639522Q1109872 Intent to Purchase Custom Synthesis of one (1) liquid handler Apricot S3 for USDA APHIS PPQ PGQP, Beltsville, MD. The USDA, Animal Health Inspection Service (APHIS) PPQ RMS intends to award a sole source Firm Fixed Price purchase order under the statutory authority permitting Other than Full and Open Competition per statutory authority is 41U.S.C. 253(c)(1) FAR 6.302-1 to Apricot Designs. PGQP is seeking this liquid handler Apricot S3. PGQP which conducts PCR-based detection of plant pathogens in imported germplasm. PCR is needed on 100s of samples at the time currently they use the hand-held multichannel pipettor which demands repetitive motions by the laboratory personnel. Repetitive motion can lead to operator’s body injury, and human error during sample processing. The pipettor should be programable to conduct the same pipetting motions done by the lab personnel (aspire/expire) for 12 times. The pipettor can be easily programable. The S3 model has the unique versatility for rapid and smooth change of the interchangeable pipetting heads with either 8, 96, or 384 EZ load tips. The S3 has the capacity to pipette in columns or all tips at one which allows the rapid execution of our current SOPs. The manufactures provides their own service and warranty work. There is only one vendor available that is responsible qualified source at this time and no other type of property or services can provide all required performance or PCR Machine of this caliber as stated in the scope of work. Apricot Designs is the manufacturer of these machines and has provided solutions before with great success and is a SMALL Business under NAICS 334516. Small business concerns are encouraged to participate. This notice of intent is NOT a request for competitive proposals, but instead a market research method to determine interested sources. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action is based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose to determine whether conducting a competitive (i.e. non-brand name) procurement is in the best interest of the Government. Interested sources who submit data are responsible for appropriately marking information if it is proprietary in nature. Please provide past performance and references regarding your ability to provide this supply and service along with your Statement of Capability. The Government will not award a contract based on the information received, nor reimburse participants for information they provide. Information provided is strictly voluntary. Please email Statements of Capability to Tom Wesley: [email protected]. Telephonic inquiries will not be honored. Closing date for submission of Statements of Capability is September 6th, 2023 at 3:00 PM Central Standard Time. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 334516. Ship to the following location: United States Department of Agriculture-Animal Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA-APHIS) USDA-Aphis Bldg 580 9901 Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD United States 20705