Inactive Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

This is a Sources Sought Notice ONLY. The USDA-ARS in Beltsville, MD currently intends to award a contract for FACSMelody and FACStation instruments service contract but is seeking vendors that may be... This is a Sources Sought Notice ONLY. The USDA-ARS in Beltsville, MD currently intends to award a contract for FACSMelody and FACStation instruments service contract but is seeking vendors that may be able to provide the similar suits with the same technical specifications. The FACSMelody and FACStation instruments require a service contract that provides one preventative maintenance inspection/kit and unlimited service visits during a one-year period, including a guaranteed 48h-response for on-site service in the event of an emergency, unlimited telephone support for the instrument, laser calibration/servicing and non-consumable parts for the instruments. The equipment will be relocated from B200 to B307 as part of a building renovation. The equipment must be certified prior to relocation to the new laboratory space. The proposed sole source firm fixed price contract to Becton, Dickinson and Company firm fixed price. This notice does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ)/Invitation for Bid (IFB)/Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFQ, IFB or RFP in the future. This notice does not commit the USDA to contract for any supply or service. Further, the U.S. Government is not seeking quotes, bids or proposals at this time and will not accept unsolicited proposals in response to this sources sought notice. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. Submittals will not be returned to the responder. A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. However, if a competitive solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Governmentwide Point of Entry. It is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor the Governmentwide Point of Entry for additional information pertaining to this requirement. In response to this sources sought, please provide: 1. Identify any condition or action that may be having the effect of unnecessarily restricting competition with respect to this acquisition and identify alternatives or solution solutions. Provide the specific aspects that unreasonably restrict competition and the rationale for such conclusion. 2. Name of the firm, point of contact, phone number, email address, DUNS number, CAGE code, identify business size (large business or a small business), and if applicable, a statement regarding small business status (including small business type(s)/certifications(s) such as SDB, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, etc.) and the corresponding NAICS code. 3. Information to help determine if the requirement (item or service) is commercially available, including pricing information, basis for the pricing information (e.g., market pricing, catalog pricing), delivery schedules, customary terms and conditions, warranties, etc.