Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 10 North Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

Q -- COST PER TEST SOL RFQ 512(B)-118-00 DUE 101399 POC Carol L. Pomraning (410) 605-7156 Request for Quote (RFQ) 512(B)-118-00 is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commericial items for the Department of Veterans Affairs and is prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This annoucement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will NOT be issued. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions an clauses are those in effect through FAC 97-12. This acquisition is subject to full and open competition. The Standard Industrial Classification is 8071. Small business size standard is $5 million. The VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS), Baltimore Division, would like to enter into a "Cost per Test" program for HIV testing for a period of one year from date of award, and, in accordance with FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract, may be amended to pickup two one-year options. Offerors are requested to provide their most current catalog price list based on the following projected annual usage: (1) Six kits per year (192 tests per kit); (2) Six each DAN/ENA Microplate EIA 16x Wash Conc; (3) Mini-tubes (4,800 per box); and, (4) Staph-Plus Latex for ID of staphylococcus SP. The following requirements MUST be met: (1) turn-around-time for HIV testing MUST be three hours or less; (2) an "HIV" test that WILL guarantee SAME DAY CONFIGURATION; (3) an automated test that will allow for verification of the run and make efficient use of Tech Time. Hands-on-time should be one hour or less; (4) a test that will permit the "batching of large numbers of specimens," thus allowing the capability of performning this test for the entire VAMHCS which includes three medical centers located in Baltimore, Perry Point, and Ft. Howard, Maryland; (5) sensitivity of 100% and specifically of at least 99.7%; (6) similar assay procedures to allow for instrument consolidation. Equipment required: (1) automated pipettor-diluter, (2) microwell plate or strip washer; (3) specdtrophotometer with reference filter, (4) a test that will permit the "batching of large numbers of specimens," thus allowing the capability of performing this test for the entire VAMHCS which includes medical centers located in Perry Point, Ft. Howard, and Baltimore, Maryland; (5) sensitivity of 100% and specificity of at least 99.7%; (6) similar assay procedures to allow for instrument consolidation. Equipment required: (1) automated pipettor-diluter, (2) microwell plate or strip washer, (3) spectrophotometer with reference filter, (4) printer, (5) computer with monitor and software for test validation, and, (6) eight channel pipettor. This will be a firm fixed price contract. The following incorporated clauses and provisions are those in effect through FAC 97-12 and are applicable to this acquisition: 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items; 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items, apply to this acquisition with evaluation criteria to include: (1) sensitivity and specificity, (2) turn-around time, (3) productivity, (Hands-on time/walk-away capability), (4) technical support, (5) training and support materials, (6) equipment (availability, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance,and replacement), (7) published studies, (8) continuous flow of new products, (9) past performance, and, (10) cost. Evaluation factors are all equal in value. Offerors are required to submit past performance information that includes points of contact on the last three contracts for similar service. Offeros are to include a completed copy of the FAR provisions 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, with their offer. Also included: 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items; Addendum: 52.216-21, Requirements; 852.216-70, Estimated Quantities; 852.237-70, Contractor's Responsibilities; 852.270-1, Representatives of Contracting Officers; 52.224-1, Privacy Act Notification; 52.224-2, Privacy Act; 852.270-4, Commercial Advertising; 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number; 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items; Addendum: 52.222-3, Convict Labor (E.O. 11755); 52.233-3, Protest After Award (31 U.S.C. 3553); 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity; 52.222-35, Affirmative Action for Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era; 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities; 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era; 52.225-3, Buy American Act-Supplies (41 U.S.C. 10); 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other Than Central Contractor Registration; 52.217-5, Evaluation of Options; 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services' 52.217-9, Option to Extend Term of Contract; 52.232-19, Availability of Funds for the Next Fiscal Year; 852.271-70, Services Provided Beneficiaries. Original proposals must be submitted in writing on company letterhead to Carol L. Pomraning, Contracting Officer (512/90C), VA Maryland Health Care System, 10 North Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, by 3 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on October 13, 1999. No fax or telephonic offers will be accepted. The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussion with offerors. Therefore, the offers should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. Award will not necessarily be made to the offeor with the lowest offer. Posted 09/27/99 (W-SN384900). (0270)

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