ProteinSimple Instruments Service

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE SOURCE The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) intends to issue an award to Bio-Techne on a sole source basis. Award will be made pursuant to FAR In accordance with FAR 6.302-1 and 41 USC 253(c)(1), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services with satisfy agency needs.

The NBAF provides and strengthens the nation with critical capabilities to diagnose animal diseases, to conduct research and develop vaccines and other countermeasures, and to train veterinarians and other scientists in preparedness and response to disease outbreaks.

The mission of the Biologics Development Module (BDM) within the NBAF is to directly support and accelerate technology transfer of vaccines, diagnostics, biotherapeutics, and other veterinary medical countermeasures for development to commercial veterinary biologic manufacturers and other partners. The BDM needs maintenance and a documented Operational Qualification of certain scientific equipment to meet its scientific, quality, and research goals and objectives.

These preventive maintenance and re-qualification services need to be well-documented and properly coordinated to ensure well-maintained and effectively functioning scientific equipment. Preventative Maintenance service contract for two instruments - Jess and Maurice units. The instruments are used to develop veterinary countermeasures, including vaccines and diagnostics, against foreign animal diseases. The Period of Performance is for one base year and two one-year options.

The Bio-techne ProteinSimple Instrument – Jess and Maurice - is proprietary to Bio-Techne. There are no other manufacturers or distributors of this instrument, therefore, all service maintenance must be performed by Bio-Techne (ProteinSimple). THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTES. This notice is for informational purposes only and is not to be constructed as a commitment by the Government.

Potential sources who believe they can provide the services listed above are invited to submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the Government to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the Government. The Point of Contact for this action is Angela Wingert and any response must be emailed to angela.wingert@usda.gov.