USDA, ARS, MSA, Procurement/Assistance Office, P.O. Box 225, Stoneville, MS 38776-0225

66 -- THERMAL CYCLER SOL RFQ-2000-4431-003 DUE 022300 POC Terry A. Krutz, Contracting Officer, 662/686-5361 The USDA, ARS, Mid South Area, Catfish Genetics Research Unit, Stoneville, Mississippi has a requirement for a Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. thermal cycler (iCYCLER) system or equal. 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; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation No. RFQ2000-4431-003 is being issued as a Request for Quotation. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-12. Offerors are to provide prices for the following: Item No. 1 -- Thermal Cycler (iCYCLER) System, catalog #170-8720 and Item No. 2 -- Optical upgrade for real time, 4 color PCR analysis in 96 well, 0.2ml PCR tube format, catalog #170-8740. The salient characteristics of the system are as follows: Item No. 1 -Includes 96 well, 0.2ml reaction module, Peltier and Joule heating/cooling with heated lid. Heating rate grater than 3 degrees per second, cooling rate better than 2 degrees per second. Temperature range 4 -- 105 degrees. Temperature monitoring with in-sample probe, block and algorithm. Quarter VGA screen user interface. 255 on board program memory. Battery back up. PCR* licensed. System includes iCycler base, 96 well x 0.2ml. Format reaction module, in sample temperature probe, PCR tubes and plates, system must be capable of detection of at least two different fluorescent dyes per tube. A comprehensive instruction manual and quick guided to getting started, parts and labor. Item No. 2 -- Optical Upgrade to the Icycler Thermal Cycler (170-8720) required. Real time analysis can be accomplished on line during PCR. Tungsten halogen lamp excitation wavelengths from 300 -- 1100nm. 96 sample tubes can be tracked simultaneously. Up to four different reporter fluorophones can be multiplexed per sample tube. Sample data can be reanalyzed at any time. Optical system includes the Optical Module, installation kit, two filter sets optimized for the most common applications, software and instructions, power module for optical system, all cables and connectors and tools and PCR tubes and plates, parts and labor. Delivery of the equipment shall be made within 30 days after receipt of the purchase order and may be delivered to USDA, ARS, MSA, Catfish Genetics Research Unit, Experiment Station Road, Stoneville, Mississippi 38776-0038. Prices should reflects that they are FOB Destination. Price will include everything identified above. FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial, FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation- Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items apply to this acquisition. These clauses maybe viewed at http://www.arnet.gov/far/ Quotations will be evaluated on price, past performance, and proof of experience with this kind of equipment. Offers should include a list of at least four references to include company name, point of contact, phone number and fax number. References should reflect similar type of work or equipment purchases. Additional Quotation Information -- Descriptive Literature must be submitted with the offer even if is has been submitted previously. This literature MUST address all aspects outlined in the specifications. If an area is not addressed in the literature the company must submit a written substantive statement describing such area. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE SHALL RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. Offers to include a commercial warranty for e/quipment. Offer must include a 30 calendar day acceptance period. Offerors are to be received not later than Close of Business, (4:30 CST) February 23, 2000 at the USDA, ARS, MSA, Contracting Office, 141 Experiment Station Road, P. O. Box 225, Stoneville, MS 38776-0225. Fax quotations are acceptable. FAX No. (662) 686-5373. The POC for this project is Terry A. Krutz (662) 686-5361. Posted 02/04/00 (W-SN422286). (0035)

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