66--VIDAS LAB EQUIPMENT

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) , Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS), Science Division, Manassas, VA, intends to issue a sole source purchase order with Biomerieux Inc. for (1) Vidas System. The proposed contract action is for supplies for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one souce under the authority of FAR 6.302. The Government knows of no other source and believes this procurement is propriety to Biomerieux. This is a simplified acquisition with an estimated value of less than $39,200. Interested firms may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and a solicitation is not available. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Simplified procurement procedures will be used as well as commercial item acquisition regulations per FAR 12. Telephone requests or inquiries will not be accepted.