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Sources Sought Notification 12405B23Q0013 for a Service Contract for a Leica - Confocal Stellaris Microscope.

This is a Sources Sought Announcement issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for informational and planning purposes only. This is NOT a solicitation, nor is it an announcement for a forthcoming solicitation. Submission of any information in response to this notification is purely voluntary. The Government assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred in providing a response.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service, Fayetteville, AR is requesting information regarding the capability to provide a service contract for a Leica - Confocal Stellaris microscope.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:

Contract will be for the period of 11/24/2022-11/23/2023 (Base) Service and scientific expertise pertaining to the Leica Stellaris confocal microscope systems (including the Leica Stellaris 5); technical training and expertise using Leica Stellaris confocal microscope systems in real-world applications and experiments with ability to provide on-site visit for scientific training and discussion of experimental setup and design pertaining to use of the Stellaris 5 confocal system; technical training and expertise on Leica Stellaris part replacement and microscope system servicing. Option period of 11/24/23-11/23/24 and 11/24/24-11/23/25 will also be included.

The original warranty purchased on the Leica Stellaris 5 confocal microscopy system was from Leica Microsystems. This involved installation, setup, training, and provision of maintenance service was from Leica Microsystems employees that are specifically certified by the company to perform these tasks. Purchase of the warranty extension for the anticipated performance period is critical for continuation of these services, especially training and maintenance services. Failure to purchase the warranty extension from Leica Microsystems will sever our ability to receive continued technical on-site support and training, as well as may cause the voiding of equipment related warranty for parts, repairs, and services.

This is not a request for proposals, but instead market research to determine interested vendors prior to issuing a solicitation A determination by the Government on the method of competing this requirement has not been established. The Government will not award a contract based on this Sources Sought Notice or the information received, nor will it reimburse participants for the information they provide. If you are an interested vendor, please provide the following information: 1) Business name and point of contact; 2) DUNS number and CAGE code; 3) business size; and 4) a brief statement of Capability (no more than three pages) which demonstrates the ability to meet the specialized work requirements above. Include any past performance information on contracts of similar size and scope. Electronic responses are preferred. Information provided will not be used as a part of any subsequent solicitation requirement. Interested sources who submit data are responsible for appropriately marking information if it is proprietary in nature. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract action based on this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses are due no later than 12 p.m., Central Time, on Friday, November 11, 2022, to the attention of Shalunda Mix, Contract Specialist, via e-mail to shalunda.mix@usda.gov.

Contracting Office Address:

USDA-ARS, SEA

141 Experiment Station Road

P. O. Box 225

Stoneville, MS 38776

Primary Point of Contact:

Shalunda Mix

Contract Specialist

shalunda.mix@usda.gov