Description
This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6 “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items,” as applicable, and as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation document will not be issued. Submit offers on RFQ-RML-C-2026413. This solicitation is a request for quotes (RFQ). The solicitation documents and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2019-05 Effective May 6, 2020. The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334516 with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. This acquisition is being posted as a Brand Name or Equal. No small business set-aside. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Laboratory of Bacteriology in Bethesda, MD is seeking to purchase two SHAKER INCUBATORS, INFORS MINITRON 25MM with Co2 and accessories. The proposed purchase is for Brand Name or Equal products. The brand name, model/part number, and quantity is listed below: QUANTITY PART # DESCRIPTION 2 72173 Infors Minitron 25 mm w/ humidity No cooling, no base 2 71100 CO2 option for new Infors Minitron 1 152200 Humidity & Drain carboy kit set 2 31332 Infors Minitron N-Style Tray with Sticky Stuff Adhesive 1 IN71948 Infors Minitron Base 1 71258 Support Stacking device for Infors minitron PLEASE INCLUDE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN ESTIMATED TIME OF DELIVERY APPLICABLE SHIPPING CHARGES TO BETHESDA, MD To be considered for award, vendors of “equal” products, including “equal” products of the brand-name manufacturer, must meet the following criteria for the salient characteristics of the Infors Minitron 25mm shaker incubators with Co2 and accessories: Shaking CO2 incubator, 25MM Co2 control and steam humidification to prevent evaporation Benchtop footprint with dimensions equal or less than 32”W X 25”D X 28”H, dimensions required to fit in designated space Stacking capabilities, at least 2 units Required to fit at least 6 2L flasks Monitoring via Ethernet, integrated software, monitor and control with web interface, analysis and reports Shaking speeds up to 400 RPM’s Temperature range of ambient 65C Power 115V Place of Performance: NIH NIAID 5625 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20852 INSTRUCTIONS: NIAID requests responses from qualified sources capable of providing the requirements as outlined above. If providing an equal product(s), please supply descriptive data for evaluation purposes to determine the validity of how it is an EQUAL. The following FAR provision apply to this solicitation and is incorporated by reference: FAR 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999) (a) If an item in this solicitation if identified as “brand name or equal”, the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government’s needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that “equal” products must meet are specified in the solicitation. (b) To be considered for award, offers of “equal” products, including “equal” products of the brand name manufacturer, must – (1) Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics specified in the solicitation; (2) Clearly identify the item by – (i) Brand name, if any; and (ii) Make or model number; (3) Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer; and (4) Clearly describe any modification the offeror plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modifications. (c) The Contracting Officer will evaluate “equal” products on the basis of information furnished by the offeror or identified in the offer and reasonably available to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer. (d) Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an “equal” products, the offeror shall provide the brand name product referenced in the solicitation. (End of provision). All quotes shall include: price(s) (unit price, extended price, total price); documentation demonstrating vendor is either the manufacturer or authorized distributor/reseller of the product(s); confirmation of required delivery timeframe; point of contact: name, phone number & email; DUNS #; and Cage Code. Each response must clearly indicate the capability of the vendor to meet all specifications and requirements. The Government may evaluate only those quotes that fully meet the requirements as outlined above and respond to the solicitation instructions and requirements. Failure to furnish a full and complete quote as instructed may result in the Vendor’s response being considered non-responsive and will therefore be eliminated from further consideration and award. If a vendor quotes an OPEN MARKET item, NIAID will only consider those which are clearly identified on the quote as Open Market. All or part of the successful vendor’s quote may be incorporated in any contract resulting from this solicitation. The successful vendor’s quote may be incorporated by reference. EVALUATION: NIAID will evaluate all quotes to determine the most advantageous to the government. NIAID will make that determination based on the capability of each vendor’s quote to provide all requested products/services, meet the brand name or equal salient characteristics, provide the proposed products/service in a timely manner, warranty, past performance, and reasonable price. The Government’s objective is to obtain the highest technical solution considered necessary to achieve the project objectives with a reasonable price. In the event quotes are evaluated as equal in non-price factors, price or cost will become a major consideration in selecting the successful Vendor. Award will be based on the capability of the item offered to meet the stated salient characteristics, the best value to the government, delivery, price, warranty, and past performance. SPECIAL NOTICE TO VENDORS Vendors are advised that the Government may share your information with non-government personnel who are assisting with the evaluation of quotes. The exclusive responsibility for source selection will reside with the Government. By submitting your quote, you will be consenting to disclosure of your quote to non-government personnel for purposes of evaluation. PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES The government intends to award a single firm, fixed price purchase order as a result of this solicitation that will include the terms and conditions set forth herein. The following FAR and HHSAR provisions and clauses apply to this acquisition: The following Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference and full text versions may be accessed electronically at: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/. The following additional Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulations (HHSAR) provisions and clauses are applicable to this requirement: HHSAR 352.203-70 Anti-Lobbying (December 18, 2015) HHSAR 352.208-70 Printing and Duplication (December 18, 2015) HHSAR 352.222-70 Contractor Cooperation in Equal Employment Opportunity Investigations (December 18, 2015) 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (August 2019) 52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (August 2019) FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items (Oct 2018) FAR 52.212-3 Offerors Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items (Oct 2018) FAR 52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017) FAR 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) FAR 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999) FAR 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (DEC 2013) The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition: FAR 52-212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items (Oct 2018) FAR 52-212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Items (May 2019) *The applicable subparagraphs of FAR52.212-5 are included in the attachment to this posting. FAR 52.225-1 -- Buy American—Supplies (May 2014) FAR 52.225-2 -- Buy American Certificate (May 2014) FAR 52.225-13 --Restriction on Certain Foreign Purchases (Jun 2008) HHSAR 352.222-70 Contractor Cooperation in Equal Employment Opportunity Investigations (Dec 2015) Copies of the above-referenced provisions and clauses are available from http://farsite.hill.af.mil/vffara.htm or, upon request, by email.