USDA, ARS, Southern Plains Area, 7607 Eastmark Drive, Suit 230, College Station, Texas, 77840

66 -- BIOLOGICAL ANALYZER SOL 2-6202-99 DUE 040699 POC Gloria Lopez, Contracting Officer, 409/260-9336, fax 409/260-9589 E-MAIL: click here to contact the contracting officer via, g0l7342@acs.tamu.edu. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is 2-6202-99 and is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). This solicitation document incorporates those provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97 -- 09. The USDA, Agricultural Research Service request quotations for one (1) Biological Analyzer for the detection and presence of bacterial pathogens, equal to the model EIAFOS, EiaFoss Analyzer System manufactured by Foss North America. Specifications: (1) Must be automated and self-contained with printout capabilities of results. (2) Rapid turnaround time (<72 hr.) for results. (3) High specificity for various species of bacteria, good correlation with standard microbiological techniques, low incidence of false positives. (4) Must be user-friendly with minimal training (<10 hr) for operator. (5) Because of space requirements the unit must be compatible with bench top installation and exterior dimensions not to exceed 22" height X 14" width X 21" depth. (6) Electrical requirements: must be compatible with U.S. specifications and operate on 115/230V AC, 300 W maximum, and 50/60 HZ. (7) Availability of a service contract and ready access to parts and labor. (8) Free shipping, delivery, and installation. (9) Come equipped with a 12-month warranty that covers all parts and labor to repair malfunction or replace components. (10) Instrument uses a combination of immunomagnetic separation and ELISA technology in an automated format, ability to detect Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, and E. Coli in a variety of matrices. (11) Reagents for bacterial detection have magnetic beads incorporated into commercial kits. (12) Must com with assay-specific program cards for analyzer. (13) Must have AOAC RI approval for 24 hr. Salmonella detection utilizing proprietary enrichment media. (14) Have capability to run and print out assays in multiple languages. The contractor shall perform all delivery and set-up so that the Analyzer is complete and ready to use. The Analyzer shall be delivered to the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Food Animal Protection Research Laboratory, 2881 F&B Road, College Station, TX 77845. The Government "desires" delivery within 30 days or less after receipt of the purchase order by the successful offeror; however, each offeror shall include their proposed delivery schedule as part of their quotation. Acceptance and FOB point are destination. In order to be considered for award offerors shall provide a quotation on company letterhead detailing the unit pricing; descriptive literature, brochures and references shall also be provided for the product quoted. The Government is conducting this procurement using a trade-off approach, where technical capability of the product to perform the desired function, past performance and price will be evaluated in making an award. The Government expressly reserves the right to award to other than lowest priced offer. The following FAR provisions apply to this solicitation: 52.212-1 "Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial", Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3 "Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items", with this offer; a copy of this provision may be obtained from the contracting officer or at http://www.arnet.gov/far. 52.212-4 "Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items", 52.212-5 "Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items". Furnish quotations to Gloria Lopez, Contracting Officer, USDA, ARS, FAPRL, 2881 F&B Road, College Station, Texas, 77845, no later than close of business April 6, 1999. Quotations my be provided by facsimile to (409) 260-9589 if desired. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the contracting officer at (409) 260-9336 (voice) or email below. Posted 03/11/99 (W-SN307421). (0070)

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