The USDA, Agricultural Research Service intends to issue and award to the FEI Company, Inc., of Hillsboro, Oregon on a sole source basis. Award will be made pursuant to 41 U.S.C.253(c)(1)--Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Description: The contract is a Comprehensive Maintenance Agreement for the FEI-Philips Transmission Electron Microscope (CM-120-STEM, Serial #D832). The contract covers both routine preventive maintenance (PM) at regularly scheduled intervals and unlimited corrective maintenance (CM), phone support, software support, and part replacement throughout the term of the contract as guaranteed. Contractor's Unique Qualifications: The FEI-Philips Transmission Electron Microscope (CM-120-STEM) is a highly sophisticated analytical instrument system. The repair of this system by FEI Company, Inc., of Hillsboro, Oregon, is justified for the following reasons: (1) The instrument must be returned to normal operation in the shortest time period. (2) Only FEI provides the original parts for the ESEM, the specific technical expertise for repairing the instrument, and the proprietary software to operate the instrument. (3) Only FEI has the necessary technology to perform diagnostic tests for assessing the potential future life of the TEM. Responses are to be received within 5 days of this notice. This procurement will be processed pursuant to FAR part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items . No telephone inquiries will be accepted. No solicitation will be issued. Questions and expressed interest can be emailed
[email protected].