J -- Notice of Intent to Negotiate Solely with BioMerieux, Inc.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) intends to negotiate solely with BioMerieux, Inc., located at 100 Roldolphe Street, Durham, NC 27712-9402, to obtain maintenance support of the following equipment: VITEK 240 W/CC1 or CC2; VIDAS W/CC3, CC4, CC5; VITEK 60 W/CC3, CC4, CC5; and BACTOMETER 128. BioMerieux, Inc is the only known source which can provide the required service. This procurement will be conducted under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Authority: 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1). The equipment for this service agreement is located in Athens, GA; St. Louis, MO; and Alameda, CA. The period of performance will be for a 12 month base period plus four (4) additional 12 month option periods. This is not a request for quotations or an announcement of a forthcoming solicitation. Request for copies of this solicitation will not be honored or acknowledged. The Government does not intend to pay for information received. All interested parties must respond within twelve (12) calendar days from the date of this notice. Written responses must provide clear and concise documentation indicating your firms capability to provide the proprietary maintenance services. Verbal responses are not acceptable and will not be considered. When responding to this announcement, respondents should refer to Announcement FSIS-05-B-07. If after January 16, 2007, no viable responses have been received in response to this announcement, USDA/FSIS shall negotiate solely with BioMerieux, Inc.