99--The US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) intends to issue a sole source purchase order to Rainin Instrucment, LLC, 7500 Edgewater Drive, Oakland, CA 94621-3027 for the purchase of Pipet-Lite Magnetic Assist Pipettes.

The National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC) has a sole source requirement to obtain multiple pipettes to be used within the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasure Center (NBACC) facility in support of bioforensic casework. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (1). The FAR citation is 6.302-1 and the FAR citation title is only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The proposed contractor for this action is Rainin. The NBFAC is currently expanding their laboratory foot print into the NBACC building and additional pipettes are required to fulfill work requirements to be performed within the new facility. The technical staff has the following requirements that must be met for these pipetting devices. The pipettes must be adjustable from 0 ul to the maximum volume of the specific pipette. The pipettes must have a volume lock to prevent accidental changes in volume. The pipettes must have a magnetic-assist technology that reduces spring forces up to 65%. The scientists require that the components of the pipettes be highly durable and have a low conductivity PBT bodies and-shafts, stainless steel microbolts, two piece piston/plunger assembly, highly polished stainless steel pistons,non-slip quick release tip ejectors, tamper proof calibration mechanisms, and long life polyester seals with Teflon chips. It is also essential that the pipettes maintain an accuracy of 1.5% or better within practical range of usage, and precision better than 1% within practical range. The pipettes must be received calibrated and include a calibration certificate from a calibration laboratory accredited by an American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). No solicitation document exists. Any firm that believes it can provide the items is invited to submit written notification to the Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days from the date of publication of this notice. supporting evidence must be furnished in sufficient detail to demonstrate the firm's ability to provide the items. Information can be sent to USAMRAA, MCMR-AAA-P), Jodi Cardoza, 843 Chandler Street, Frederick, MD 21702. No telephone requests will be accepted. Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. If no responses are received, USAMRAA will proceed with the sole source contract.