SPECIAL NOTICE
66 -- Notice of Intent to Sole Source Qualysense QSorter Explorer
- Notice Date
- 8/4/2016
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 334516
— Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Agricultural Research Service - Western Business Service Center
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- AG-4431-S-16-0022
- Archive Date
- 8/26/2016
- Point of Contact
- Shalunda S. Mix, Phone: 662-686-5346
- E-Mail Address
-
shalunda.mix@ars.usda.gov
(shalunda.mix@ars.usda.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture, ARS, WBSC, Stoneville, Mississippi, intends to award a sole source procurement to QualySense AG, Unterrietstrasse 2A, 8152 Glattbrugg, Switzerland for a QSorter Explorer analyzer instrument for the purpose of single seed grain analysis that will be used to measure chemical composition of single seeds and provide images used to define morphology and other visual characteristics. The QSorter Explorer will have the following specifications: 1. Capable of capturing high resolution, < 5 nm, NIR reflectance spectra (900- 1700 or 900-2400 nm) of single seeds. 2. Simultaneous image capture of a seed along with spectra. 3. Operate at relatively high throughput of at least 15 seeds per second. 4. Capable of being used for multiple seed types from small wheat seeds to soybeans. 5. Capable of at least a two-way sort based on spectral and/or image measurements. 6. Allows user to develop custom algorithms from spectra and images for measurement and sorting. 7. Include on-site installation and training provided by the vendor on operation, maintenance and procedures to develop new sorting methods. The QSorter Explorer analyzes individual grain seeds at speeds of 50 objects per second by means of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Color Vision technologies; a number of quality parameters are measured and used to sort the agricultural commodities. The high speed is needed in order to process hundreds of small grain samples for screening and sorting in order for breeders to utilize the information and then select samples for replanting in a short time. This is also true for quality evaluation of grain where many samples need to be tested for defects or contamination. This instrument should expand the quantification capabilities of single seed evaluation. QualySense AG has been identified as the sole provider of the QSorter Explorer single seed analyzer instrument and is the only known vendor that can produce this type of specified equipment. The Qsorter possesses the unique capabilities of full spectrum, single seed NIR spectroscopy in addition to multiple view imaging. Its' seed rate is also much faster than anything that has ever been developed commercially or as a custom instrument. A few commercial instruments can provide vision analysis near this rate and a few provide discrete NIR wavelength measurement, but none provide both. Discrete NIR wavelength instruments are usually comprised of around 6 wavelengths or less and are not easily adaptable for multiple attribute measurement compared to full spectrum measurements. Pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements The equipment will be located at the USDA, ARS, CGAHR, Stored Products Insect and Engineering Research Unit in Manhattan, KS. The Government intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order on or about August 12, 2016. This Notice of Intent is not considered a Request for Quotation (RFQ) nor is it a Request for Proposals (RFP). No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be honored. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government will consider all responses received by 4:00PM Central Standard Time, August 11, 2016. Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquiries will only be accepted via email/ mail to the Contracting Officer at the following address: Contracting Office Address: USDA-ARS-WBSC Shalunda Mix 141 Experiment Station Road Stoneville, MS. 38776-0225 shalunda.mix@ars.usda.gov
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/69461705b3ed09d195e2deeb87609e4b)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USDA, ARS, CGAHR, Stored Products Insect and Engineering Research Unit, 1515 College Ave., Manhattan, Kansas, 66502, United States
- Zip Code: 66502
- Zip Code: 66502
- Record
- SN04209264-W 20160806/160804234902-69461705b3ed09d195e2deeb87609e4b (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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