USDA, ARS, FMOD, BA, Contracting Section, Bldg. 003, Rm. 329, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350

66 -- PIXCELL II LASER CAPTURE MICRODISSECTION (LCM) SYSTEM SOL 11-3K47-00 DUE 081100 POC Karen Chapman, Contract Specialist, (301)504-5073 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 for this requirement is 11-3K47-00, and is issued as a Request for Quotation. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses that are in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-18. The standard industrial classification code is 3826, with a small business standard of 500 employees. This solicitation is unrestricted. The USDA, ARS, Beltsville Area has a requirement to purchase a PixCell II Laser Capture Microdissection System as follows: [ITEM 1] Product LCM-220 which includes PixCell II Laser Capture Microdissection System (PXL-200), PixCell II Image Archiving Workstation (ARC-200), and Fluorescence Package for PXL-200 (FLUOR-300). [ITEM 2] Product 10422-00 PixCell Cap Insertion Tool; [ITEM 3] product 10212-02 PixCell II LCM System Instruction Manual; [ITEM 4] product 10206-02 PixCell II Image Archiving Workstation Manual; and [ITEM 5] product CP-100 CapSure Pad, pack of 12 pads. Installation and one day on-site Training to familiarize the user with system is included. Includes one year parts, labor, travel and laser warranty. (Microscope objectives and filter cubes not covered) The Delivery Schedule is 60 -- 90 days after receipt of order. Shipped F.O.B. Destination with inside delivery to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Nutrient Requirements and Function Lab., Beltsville, Maryland. The U.S. Department of Agriculture intends to award contract on a sole source basis to Arcturus Engineering, Inc., Mountain View, CA. The PixCell II Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) system will be used to dissect microscopic tissue sections from frozen and fixed tissues of experimental animals and humans with a point and shoot laser beam interface. No comparable unit incorporates the same precise tissue microdissection and protein/nucleic acid sample recovery through thermoplastic transfer film. No substitute equipment will be acceptable for use. The PixCell II Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) system was developed through a cooperative research and development agreement between Arcturus Engineering, Inc., and NIH, NCRR, and NCI. The PixCell II system is the only commercially available unit that incorporates Laser Capture Microdissection technology, initially developed by the National Institutes of Health. This solicitation incorporates the following FAR clauses, provisions and addendums: 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items; 52.212-2 Evaluation -- Commercial Items; 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial items; 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; 52.247-34 F.O.B. Destination. In paragraph (b) of 52.212-5 the following apply: 52.203-6, 52.219-8, 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222-37, 52.225-1, 52.225-13, 52.225-15, and 52.232-34. 52.222-70 COMPLIANCE WITH VETERANS EMPLOYMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (JAN 1999)(DEVIATION)(USDA). (a) The offeror represents that, if it is subject to the reporting requirements of 38 U.S.C. 4212(d) (i.e., the VETS-100 report required by FAR clause 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era), it has [ ], has not [ ], submitted the most recent report required by 38 U.S.C. 4212(d). (b) An offeror who checks "has not" may not be awarded a contract until the required report is filed. CONTRACT PAYMENTS (MANDATORY INFORMATION FOR ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER) Electronic Funds Transfer compliance with 31 CFR 208. To facilitate EFT for contract payments, FAR clause 52.232-34 and 52.232-35 (31 CFR Part 208) requires the submission of information by the contractor to the payment office. Upon award, the contractor shall contact the Miscellaneous Payments Section at the National Finance Center (NFC) to initiate the enrollment process of the Vendor Express Program (VXP), which will result in a number being assigned to the contractor for payment under EFT. NFC can be reached at 1-800-421-0323 or at www.nfc.usda.gov. All offerors must include completed copies of 52.212-3 (Representations and Certification), and 52.222-70 (Compliance with Veterans Employment Reporting Requirements). Fax quotations are acceptable to Karen Chapman (301)504-5009 on or before August 11, 2000 at 4:30 p.m. (EST). The following factors in descending order of importance shall be used to evaluate offers: (i) technical capability of the item offered to meet Government requirement; (ii) past performance; & (iii) price. Award to be made to the technically acceptable offeror conforming to the solicitation at a fair and reasonable price. The anticipated award date is August 17, 2000. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which shall be considered by the agency. Posted 07/18/00 (W-SN476047). (0200)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0316 20000720\66-0008.SOL)

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