BENCHTOP NMR SYSTEM

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS), Technical Services Division, Kansas City, MO 64153, intends to issue a sole source purchase order with Oxford Instruments America for one MQC-5 Benchtop NMR System Configured for measurement of oil and moisture in seeds. The proposed contract action is for supplies for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. This is follow-on to a major system replacing an MWC-5, a proprietary instrument developed by Oxford. This model is one of only two approved models for use within the official inspection system for monitoring functions, appeal inspections and to conduct research projects to determine the feasibility of moisture determination for development of a non-dried method, as well as other research to improve the official inspection system. The replacement of the current instrument ensures the consistency, continuity and compatibility of the measured data. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.