The 10th Mission Support Group, Directorate of Contracting, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Colorado, intends to award a Brand Name Only Purchase Order on a Sole Source basis to North Central Instruments, Inc. to provide 36 each Leica DM E microcopes including the microscope, Koehler illumination kit, power cord lock, power cord, delivery and installation, and a 5 year warranty. The requirement also calls for 35 each of the Leica EZ4 microscopes to include the micorscope and a 5 year warranty. This notice document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-35 dated 14 July 2009 . The North American Industry Classification System Code [NAICS] is 423490 and the size standard is 100 employees. Leica microscopes are the only product that will meet the governments needs. Please see the attached Brand Name Only justifications for the Leica DM E and Leica EZ4 Microscopes. Delivery is to be made to the Dean of Faculty-Biology Department at the U.S. Air Force Academy FOB: Destination. This synopsis is for notification purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. DO NOT submit a bid/quote at this time. All qualified sources may submit a response, which if timely received, will be considered by this agency. Responses need to provide evidence the offeror can either provide an equal product or they are an authorized distributor/wholesaler for Leica Microscopes . Any offerors believing they can provide an equal product that meets all of the features and functionality of the Leica EZ4 and Leica DM E microscopes or can provide the brand name product may provide evidence for consideration. Evidence must support the offeror's claim. All qualified sources may submit a response, which if timely received, will be considered by this agency. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether a brand name or equal procurement can be conducted and/or a competitive procurement can be conducted . A determination that equal products exist or a determination to compete this proposed procurement based on response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses must be received by 1500 MDT on 31 Julyt 2009 . Responses received after this will be considered late IAW FAR 52.212-1(f) and will not be evaluated. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this announcement. Contractors must have a current registration with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at http://www.ccr.gov and with Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at http://orca.bpn.gov . Questions should be addressed to the Primary POC Nicole Allen, Contract Specialist, (719) 333-3587 or sent via e-mail to
[email protected]. Alternate POC is Leslie Ryan, Contracting Officer, (719) 333-3961,
[email protected] . 5352.201-9101 OMBUDSMAN (AUG 2005) (a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the party to another official who can resolve the concern. (b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions). (c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, concerned parties may contact the USAF Academy Ombudsmen, Kelly Snyder 8110 Industrial Drive, Ste 103 USAFA, CO 80840 Telephone number 719-333-2074 FAX 719-333-9018 email:
[email protected] Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the MAJCOM/DRU level, may be brought by the concerned party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (703) 588-7004, facsimile number (703) 588-1067. (d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency. (e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the Contracting Officer. (End of clause)