(i) This is a combined synopsis /solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. FAR Part 13.5 authorizes the use of simplified procedures for this acquisition, including options. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a separate written request for quotation will not be issued. This combined synopsis/solicitation will result in a firm fixed-price service contract. (ii) The reference number is AG-6395-S-08-0032 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quote (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) and Agriculture Federal Acquisition Regulations supplement (AGARs) can be accessed on the internet at http://www.arnet.gov/far and http://www.usda.gov/procurement /policy/agar.html. (iv) It is anticipated that a single award will be made but multiple awards will be considered. This is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside. The associated NAICS code for this effort is 541990 and small business size standard is $6.5 million. (v) REQUIREMENTS: This requirement consists of 1 (ONE) line items: Line Item 0001 - Install/configuration of new Nikon microscopes and microscope digital cameras, Equipment Upgrades for on-site microscopes, Maintenance (to include Inspection, Cleaning and Adjustment/alignment of dissecting and compound microscopes), and Physical inventory of on-site scientific configurations at twenty-nine (29) Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) sites CONUS (within the Continental US) and OCONUS (Outside the Continental US). A list of contract line items (Price Schedule) is attached to this combined synopsis/solicitation provided as Attachment 2. Pricing should include all travel cost to sites. The contractor shall be responsible to possess the tools, technical manuals/information and supplies to accomplish the upgrades and maintenance required by the Statement of Work. All service will be completed in the calendar year 2008. (vi) The Scope of service required, Sites for installation and service as well as model of equipment for this requirement is provided as Attachment 3 to this combined synopsis/solicitation. (vii) Delivery and Performance: Contractor will commence work under this contract as early as April 7, 2008, upon official notification from the Contract Officers Representative (COR). The fully burdened price of quotes submitted shall be all encompassing and include all cost associated with the completion of this service in accordance with the attached Statement of Work. The contractor will be responsible for travel arrangements and associated costs to the PPQ sites within the fixed price unit cost for each site. (viii) The provisions at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors ? Commercial Items, apply to this solicitation. (ix) The provisions at 52.212-2, Evaluation ? Commercial Items, apply to this solicitation. The Government will award a contract resulting form this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the combined synopsis/solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government using the Tradeoff approach defined at FAR 15.101-1, which permits tradeoffs among cost or price and non-cost factors and allows the Government to accept other than the lowest priced quote. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: Technical Capability: (1) Experience with Nikon microscopes and microscope digital cameras, (2) Ability to assemble and disassemble Nikon microscopes and microscope digital cameras, (3) Ability to meet the required service schedule and (4) Willingness to clean equipment. Past Performance: The offeror shall provide information of current or previous contracts/orders with other federal, state, local or private entities. Provide name, address, contact, number of months/years firm has provided services or like services to these entities. Technical capability and past performance, when combined are more important than price. (x) The provisions at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications ? Commercial Items, applies to this solicitation. The contractor shall either: (1) return a completed copy of this provision with its quote. A copy of the provision may be attained from http://www.arnet.gov/far; or (2) complete the Online Reps and Certs Application (ORCA) at http://www.bpn.gov and referenced in your quote. (xi) The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions ? Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. (xii) The clause 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 as paragraph b of FAR 52.212-5 are considered checked and is applicable to this acquisition. 52-203.6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government, with Alternate 1; 52-219.8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns; 52-222-3, Convict Labor; 52-219.14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Dec 1996) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)); 52-222.19, Child Labor ? Co-operation with Authorities and remedies; 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; 52-222-26, Equal Opportunity; 52.222-35, Affirmative Action for Special Disabled and Vietnam Era Veterans; 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Handicapped Workers; 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era; 52.225-1; 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign purchases. 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration; (xiii) To be awarded this contract, the offeror must be registered in the CCR. CCR information may be found at http://www.ccr.gov. (xiv) The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) is not applicable to this acquisition. (xv) All questions concerning this RFQ must be submitted in writing and faxed to (612) 336-3554 or emailed to
[email protected]. No telephonic response to this combined synopsis/solicitation will be accepted. Quotations are due at the USDA, APHIS-MRPBS-ASD Contracting Team, Butler Square West, 5th Floor, 100 North 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403 no later than 10:00 am local time on February 15, 2008. Faxing or emailing quotes is acceptable. (xvi) The assigned Contracting Officer is Gloria Benson. Ms Benson may be reached at
[email protected], (612) 336-3220 or by fax, (612) 336-3554.