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

66 -- DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETER SOL R2-6225-2000 DUE 032300 POC Michael A. Douglas, Contracting Officer, 409/260-9480; Fax: 409/260-9413 E-MAIL: click here to contact the contracting officer via, mdouglas@spa.ars.usda.gov. 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 R2-6225-2000 and is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). This solicitation document incorporates those provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97 -- 15. The USDA, Agricultural Research Service request quotations for one (1) Multi-Cell Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) with the following specifications. The DSC will be used to conduct research on the thermodynamic of rice. The DSC must (1) be able to determine the Glass Transition (Tm) and Gelatinization enthalpy (Delta H) on three or more samples in a single experiment, (2) have an operation temperature range of -40 to +200 C, (3) have a scan rate of 0 to 2 C/min. in both the heating and cooling directions, (4) have sensitivity of 5 ucal/ C level (Delta Cp) or better, and (5) accommodate solid (whole rice kernels) and liquid samples using removable cells for ease of cleaning. The above instrument must be complete with software compatible with MS-Windows 95 or higher and equipment (i.e. cooling bath, regulator, 500+ MHZ computer w/19"+ monitor and color printer, sample ampoules) needed to conduct the research stated above. The contractor shall perform all delivery and set-up and training so that the DSC is complete and ready to use. The DSC shall be delivered to the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center, 2890 Highway 130 East, Stuttgart, AR. The Government "desires" delivery within 45 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 and brochures 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. FAR 52.212-1 (Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items), FAR 52.212-2 (Evaluation -- Commercial Items), and FAR 52.212-4 (Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items) apply to this acquisition. FAR 52.212-5 (Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items) also applies, with the following clauses from (b) applicable to this acquisition: FAR 52.219-8; FAR 52.222-26; FAR 52.222-35; FAR 52.222-36; FAR 52.222-37; FAR 52.232-36. 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. Furnish quotations to Michael Douglas, Contracting Officer, USDA, ARS, SPA, 7607 Eastmark Drive, Suite 230, College Station, Texas, 77840, no later than close of business 4:30p.m., March 23, 2000. Quotations my be provided by facsimile to (409) 260-9413 if desired. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the contracting officer at (409) 260-9480 (voice) or email below. Posted 03/07/00 (W-SN431998). (0067)

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