(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial supplies prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 12.6, and supplemental information included in this notice. Simplified procurement procedures will be used as well as commercial item acquisition regulations per FAR 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. (ii) The reference number for this effort is APPQWRKS-0009-5 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). (iii) The provisions and clauses incorporated into this solicitation document are those in effect at the time of publication. Provisions and clauses incorporated by reference have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. The full text of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) can be accessed on the Internet at http://farsite.hill.af.mil/ (iv) This is set aside for small business. The associated NAICS Code is 334516 and the small business standard is 500 employees. (v) This requirement consists of two (2) line items: (1)one (1) SmartCycler TD SYSTEM, 1 UNIT LS Brand: Cepheid, part number SC2500N21 name brand or equal (2) one (1)1000 pak SmartCycler RXN Tubes 25 UL Brand: Cepheid, part number 900-0022 name brand or equal. (vi) Deliverables and acceptance of deliverables will be at USDA APHIS PPQ, Department of Plant Pathology – Kansas State University, 4024 Throckmorton Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506. (vii) The equipment awarded under this contract must be delivered to the destination no later than August 31. 2005 (viii) The provision at 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial applies to this solicitation. (ix) The provision at 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Items applies to this solicitation. Award will be made to the lowest price technically acceptable responsible bidder whose quote conforms to this solicitation. Ease of portability and compatibility with existing PCR platform essential. (x) The provision 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items applies to this solicitation. The contractor shall return a completed copy of the Offeror Representations and Certifications with their quotation. A copy of the provision may be attained from http://www.arnet.gov/far. (xi) The clause at 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal applies to the acquisition. (xii) The clause at 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items applies to this acquisition. (xiii) The clause at 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following FAR clauses identified in FAR 52.212-5 are considered checked and are applicable to this acquisition: 52.222-3 Convict Labor; 52.222-19 Child Labor – Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies; 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity; 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports; 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans; 52.222-25 Affirmative Action Compliance; 52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities; 52.222-35 Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans; 52.225-1 Buy American Act; 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate; 52.225-3 Buy American Act – North American Free Trade Agreement-Israeli Trade Act; 52.225-4 Buy American Act North American Free Trade Agreement-Israeli Trade Act Certificate; 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases; 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer Central Contractor Registration (CCR). To be awarded this contract, the offeror must be registered in the CCR. CCR information may be found at http://www.ccr.gov. (xiv) Quotations are due to the United States Department of Agriculture, Minneapolis Contracting Office, 100 North Sixth Street, Butler Square, 5th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55403 by 1:00 PM CST, August 9, 2005. Faxed quotes are acceptable. (xv) The assigned Purchasing Agent is Ms. Jayne Frommes. Ms Frommes may be reached at
[email protected], (612) 336-3221 or by fax at (612) 370-2136