This is a Sources Sought Notice ONLY. The USDA-ARS currently intends to award a contract to Thermo Electron North America LLC on a SOLE SOURCE basis but is seeking vendors that may be able to provide similar services with the same technical specifications.The proposed sole source firm fixed price contract is to Thermo Electron North America LLC. The Gas Chromatograph will be shipped from the ARS location in Grand Forks, ND to the ARS location in Mandan, ND.
The proposed vendor, Thermo Electron North America LLC, is the only vendor from which the requirement of uninstalling, transporting, reinstalling, and providing training for the TRACE 1310 GC instrument and gas generators can be obtained. This is primarily due to the following reasons:
- Sole manufacturer and seller: Thermo Electron North America LLC is the original manufacturer and seller of the TRACE 1310 GC instrument. As the sole manufacturer, they have exclusive knowledge and expertise regarding the design, components, and intricacies of this specific instrument model.
- Adherence to warranty provisions: The TRACE 1310 GC instrument is likely covered by a manufacturer's warranty, which may have specific provisions regarding authorized service providers. Engaging Thermo Electron North America LLC as the vendor ensures adherence to these warranty provisions, preventing any potential issues or voiding of the warranty.
- Proprietary software and hardware: The TRACE 1310 GC instrument utilizes proprietary software and hardware components developed by Thermo Electron North America LLC. Only their engineers and authorized personnel have access to the necessary software licenses, updates, and technical expertise to properly install, configure, and maintain the instrument's software and hardware components.
- Specialized training and authorization: Thermo Electron North America LLC's engineers have received specialized training and authorization to work on the TRACE 1310 GC instrument. They possess the in-depth knowledge and expertise required to ensure proper handling, installation, and training for this specific instrument model.
The result of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement, if a requirement materializes. Based on the responses to this Sources Sought notice/market research, this requirement may be set-aside for small businesses or procured through full and open unrestricted competition. All small business set-aside categories will be considered. Telephone inquiries willnot be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will beprovided to companies regarding submissions.
DISCLAIMER
THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. This noticedoes not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ)/Invitation for Bid (IFB)/Requestfor Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFQ, IFB or RFP in the future. Thisnotice does not commit the USDA to contract for any supply or service. Further,the U.S. Government is not seeking quotes, bids or proposals at this time andwill not accept unsolicited proposals in response to this Sources Sought notice.The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costsincurred in response to this notice. Submittals will not be returned to theresponder. A determination not to compete this requirement, based uponresponses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.However, if a competitive solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on theGovernmentwide Point of Entry. It is the responsibility of potential off erors tomonitor the Governmentwide Point of Entry for additional informationpertaining to this requirement.
In response to this sources sought, please provide:
.
1. Name of the firm, point of contact, phone number, email address, SAM UEInumber, CAGE code, identify business size (large business or a small business), and if applicable, a statement regarding small business status(including small business type(s)/certifications(s) such as SDB, 8(a),HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, etc.) and the corresponding NAICS code;
2. Tailored capability statements addressing the requirements of this notice,with appropriate documentation supporting claims of organizational and staff capability;
3. Identify any condition or action that may be having the effect of unnecessarily restricting competition with respect to this acquisition and identify alternatives or solution solutions. Provide the specific aspects that unreasonably restrict competition and the rationale for such conclusion;
4. Any other information considered relevant to this requirement; and
5. The government requests that no proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in the response.
Any vendor responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine their qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After review of the responses received, a combined synopsis/solicitation may be published on sam.gov depending on the responses received.
All responses to this Sources Sought Notice must be received by the notice’s POC by the deadline to be considered. Responses may not be returned. Responder sare solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Inquiry. Do not submit pricing information in response to this notice.
