66 -- Notice of Intent to Purchase from a Sole Source

This is a Notice of Intent to Purchase from a Sole Source for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only Notification. Notification No. AG-518P-N-07-AA06 is being issued as a Notice of Intent to Purchase from a Sole Source. This document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-16. The NAICS code applicable to this solicitation is 334516. THE SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS: The equipment must meet or exceed the following statement of work and minimum specifications (brand name or equal). Statement of Work: USDA/ARS, Photosynthesis Research Unit, Urbana, IL Location has a need for a portable fluorometer and infrared gas exchange system for taking simultaneous measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf gas exchange (photosynthesis). This instrument must be compatible with already existing equipment being currently used in our research. The instrument will be used to monitor soybean responses to varying environment conditions. The Salient Characteristics are: 1) The CO2 and H2O analyzers should be located in the sensor head of the machine to provide rapid response and eliminate time delays. 2) We request an absolute, open path, non-dispersive infrared CO2 gas analyzer with a range of 0-3000 micro mol per mol -1 and bandwidth of 10 Hz. Maximum deviation should not exceed plus or minus 5 micro mol per mol -1 from 0 to 1500 micro mol per mol -1 plus or minus 10 micro mol per mol from 1500 to 3000 micro mol per mol -1. 3) The operating temperature range should be from 0 Degrees C to 50 Degrees C. 4) The air flow should range from 0 to 700 micro mol per mol per second 6400-01 CO2 injector. 5) An external light source should be incorporated on the instrument. We request a clear chamber head, a red-blue light source that will allow for a relatively large leaf area to be enclosed for gas exchange measurements (6sq and 5sq) a leaf Chamber Fluorometer (LCF) that acts as both a leaf cuvette and as a light source/pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometer for simultaneous measurement of gas exchange and fluorescence.Sole Source Justification is as follows: AGENCY AND CONTRACTING ACTIVITY: USDA/ARS/MWA, Photosynthesis Research Unit, Urbana, IL Location 1) DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: USDA/ARS/MWA, Photosynthesis Research Unit has a requirement for a portable Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Gas Exchange System which should be compatible with existing equipment already in use.2) DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES: A portable fluorometer and infrared gas exchange system for taking simultaneous measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf gas exchange (photosynthesis) is required. The best instrument to fill this requirement has been determined to be the Li-Cor 6400, brand name or equal. This Notice of Intention to purchase a sole source instrument is being published in accordance with Federal Acquisitions Regulations as listed below. 3) AUTHORITY CITED FAR Part 6.302-(ii) (A) and FAR Part 5.102-4) REASONS FOR AUTHORITY CITED - Full text may be found at http://www.acquisition.gov/far/loadmainre.html. FAR Part 6.302 (ii) Supplies may be deemed to be available only from the original source in the case of a follow-on contract or the continued development or production of a major system or highly specialized equipment, including major components thereof, when it is likely that award to any other source would result in (A) Substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition. 5) EFFORTS TO OBTAIN COMPETITION: Like instruments purchased previously have come from the same vendor. Efforts to obtain competitive quotes have been unsuccessful. We have determined that almost all research in this particular field is being conducted using the Li-Cor instruments as specified above. 6) FAIR AND REASONABLE DETERMINATION. The Li-6400 is the best instrument available in this field. Use of any other instrument could result in additional costs for repairs, replacement parts and could result in loss of integrity of the research currently being conducted. 7) MARKET RESEARCH: Efforts in the past to obtain like instruments have not resulted in any offers from competitors. Other items available for conducting research of this type did not meet the minimum specifications requirements New instruments need to be compatible with existing equipment. 8) OTHER SUPPORTING FACTORS: Exhibit C below 9) INTERESTED SOURCES: N/A Exhibit 7C(ii) Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition Checklist A) All justifications should contain: 1) Information based on substantial facts. USDA/ARS/MWA, Urbana, IL Location has a requirement for a portable Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Gas Exchange System. 2) Clear and complete discussion of reasons why competitive quotations are not practical. Li-Cor instruments are currently being used in our research. Compatible equipment is required to insure the integrity of the research. 3) Sufficient explanation to allow a person without technical competence in the area to follow the rationale: Additional costs incurred to solicit competitive quotes would not be cost effective to the Government. 4) Facilities or specialized equipment: Laboratory and field experimental facilities used for conducting Agricultural Research. 5) Availability of technical data and other information: LI-6400R Fluorescence Gas and Exchange System Package including a portable photosynthesis system, CO2 Injector System, Red/Blu LED light source, quantum sensor 8 inch cable, Fluorescence attachment, with accessories as follows: 12 gm CO2 Cylinders, 25. All responsible parties should submit written (mail or email - no telephone inquiries will be accepted) responses including prices and technical data sufficient to determine capability to meet the entire requirement and must be received in this office within 10 calendar days after publication of this notice. It should be noted that no contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice, but will be used to determine if a comparable source more advantageous to the Government is available. If no affirmative written responses are received, negotiations will be held with Li-Cor without further notice. This acquisition is being conducted under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Furnish Comments to Randa Plotner, Purchasing Agent, USDA/ARS/MWA, 1101 W. Peabody Drive, 180 NSRC, Urbana, IL 61801, no later than May 17, 2007. Any pertinent documents may be provided by facsimile to 217-244-7703 if desired or by e-mail to [email protected].