Intent to Sole Source - Tabletop SEM

Pursuant to FAR 13.106-1(b), USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), intends to award a sole source supply contract in that only one source and no other supplies will satisfy agency requirements. The contract will be a firm-fixed price supply contract under FAR PART 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items for one Hitachi Tabletop SEM (TM-3030 Plus) from Marine Reef International, Inc., 1048 Irvine Ave. #634, Newport Beach, CA 92660. The USDA-APHIS, Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), S&T, CHST Mission Lab (Moore Air Base - Bldg. 6414, 22675 N. Moorefield Rd., Edinburg TX 78541-5033), requires a tabletop scanning electron microscope (SEM) to support several programs, including but not limited to, Brevipalpus mites (vectors of Citrus leprosis virus), SIT Mexican fruit fly program, and the study of parasites and microbes. The CPHST Mission Lab must precisely identify characters that cannot be seen through conventional microscopy of the Brevipalpus mites, vectors of Citrus leprosis virus (CiLV). These mites have recently been identified by the use of an SEM which allows us to see new characters that now show that there are species groups that have been historically misidentified for the past 50 years. In order to know which species are the vectors of the CiLV, we need to be able to handle our work load in a quick, efficient manner. In addition to ongoing projects, the lab is tasked with support of APHIS PPQ through methods development. National Identification Service (APHIS PPQ) has purchased tabletop SEMs. CPHST must have similar equipment to develop methods for this group. The statement of work (SOW) and sole source justification are attached. The requirement is essential to meeting the government's needs. All responsible sources capable providing the supply item listed above (and detailed in the attached SOW and justification) may submit a capability statement which shall be considered by the agency. The response must explain completely and in detail how the item meets each characteristic indicated in the justification and SOW (see attached). Interested sources who submit data are responsible for appropriately marking information if it is proprietary in nature. The Government will not reimburse participants for information they provide. This is a notice of intent to sole source with fair opportunity for all responsible sources to see the solicitation and respond if capable. Information provided is strictly voluntary. Please email responses to Patricia Simon at [email protected] no later than the time indicated below. Telephonic inquiries will not be honored. Closing date for submission is 09 February, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. central time. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 334516 with a small business size standard of less than 1000 employees.