The 10th Contracting Squadron, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Colorado, intends to award a Brand Name Only purchase order on an 8(a) Sole Source basis to Concentric Methods, Inc. to provide 4 Pyxis software upgrades and 1 Pyxis Anesthesia System. This notice document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-37, 13 Nov 09. The North American Industry Classification System Code [NAICS] is 423450 and the size standard is 100. The USAFA OR currently uses four Pyxis Anesthesia systems that have not been upgraded since installation in 2002. The current operating system running Windows NT platform is no longer supported by Microsoft. If these upgrades do not occur than the integrity of the equipment will be comprimised. These upgrades are essential in fighting against medication errors and diversion of controlled substances. All Pyxis equipment is connected to a central control tower. To add a similar medication distribution system of another manufacturers brand would require the purchase of additional equipment such as a master control center, which would significantly increase costs. The USAFA must continue to use equipment already in place. Delivery is to be made to the 10th Medical Group at the U.S. Air Force Academy. FOB: Destination. Unique Item Identifier (UID) [DFARS 252.211] applies to this requirement. This synopsis is for notification purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. DO NOT submit a bid/quote at this time. Any offerors believing they can provide an equal product that meets all of the features and functionality of the Pyxis Software Upgrades and Pyxsis Anesthesia System or can provide the brand name product may provide evidence for consideration. Evidence must support the offeror's claim. Responses need to provide evidence the offeror can either provide an equal product or they are an authorized distributor/wholesaler for the Pyxis product. All qualified sources may submit a response, which if timely received, will be considered by this agency. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether a brand name or equal procurement can be conducted. A determination that equal products exist based on response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses must be received NLT 1200pm (MST) on 8 December 2009. Responses received after this will be considered late IAW FAR 52.212-1(f) and may not be evaluated. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this announcement. Contractors must have a current registration with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at http://www.ccr.gov and with Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at http://orca.bpn.gov . Questions should be addressed to the Primary POC Mara Strobel, Contract Specialist, and (719) 333-4899 or sent via e-mail to
[email protected]. Alternate POC is Leslie Ryan, Contracting Officer, (719) 333-3961,
[email protected]. 5352.201-9101 OMBUDSMAN (AUG 2005) (a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the party to another official who can resolve the concern. (b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions). (c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, concerned parties may contact the USAF Academy Ombudsmen, Kelly Snyder 8110 Industrial Drive, Ste 103 USAFA, CO 80840 Telephone number 719-333-2074 FAX 719-333-9018 email:
[email protected] Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the MAJCOM/DRU level, may be brought by the concerned party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (703) 588-7004, facsimile number (703) 588-1067. (d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency. (e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the Contracting Officer. (End of clause)