Inactive Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene ... The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression (LRBGE) needs to procure a Hidex 300SL Automatic Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC) or equivalent to perform the quantification of radiolabeled RNA products for in-vitro assays and monitoring daily surveys when working with the S35 isotope. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice, and shall be processed in accordance with FAR Part 13 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation, 75N91021Q00183, is issued as a request for quote (RFQ) and includes all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through FAR Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2021-05 (07-12-2021), simplified acquisition procedures for commercial items. The North American Industry Classification System code is 334516 and the business size standard is 1,000 employees. THIS IS A TOTAL SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE. 1.0 BRAND NAME OR EQUAL This requirement is for the procurement of the brand name or equivalent instrument described in section 4.0. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provision FAR 52.211-6, Brand Name or Equal (AUG 1999) is applicable to this requirement. 2.0 BACKGROUND The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression (LRBGE) studies the elucidation of mechanisms involved in the regulation of genetic expression in eukaryotic cells, the architecture and organization of the mammalian nucleus, and the identification of genes and regulatory processes involved in modulated states of expression during oncogenesis. LRGBE needs to procure a Hidex 300SL Automatic Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC) or equivalent to perform the quantification of radiolabeled RNA products for in-vitro assays and monitoring daily surveys when working with the S35 isotope. The required instrument will replace an existing LSC which can no longer be placed under a routine maintenance agreement due to its age. The replacement of this resource is important for ongoing research and safety of the building. 3.0 TYPE OF ORDER This is a Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order. 4.0 PRODUCT FEATURES/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS The required Hidex 300SL Automatic Liquid Scintillation Counter Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC) or equivalent shall have the following specifications: Dual logarithmic multi-channel analyzers, for double and triple count spectrums. Direct measurement of beta efficiency and instant disintegrations per minute (DPM) results by triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR), for chemical and color quenching correction and for aqueous and organic samples. Three photomultiplier tube (PMT) detectors, to permit determination of counting efficiency without needed to have an internal radioactive source onboard the equipment. One tray for 40x20ml LSC vials. One Tray for 96x07ml LSC vials. Windows 10 MikroWin software or equivalent for instrument control, data analysis and report generation. Users shall be able to graphically display the data and analyze it as well as modify displays according to need. USB connectivity Have total dimensions of 63 (L) x 52 (W) x 68.5 (H) cm and 130 kg due to existing lab space limitations. Use 100-240V and 50-60Hz outlet due to existing lab set up and compatibility. Any other outlet type would require a new outlet and take several weeks for installation. Include a Windows 10 all-in-one PC or equivalent. 20mL Unquenched Standards (H3,C14, Blank) Shall have the capability to read multiple samples without personnel intervention. Shall be able to read in 7 ml or 20 ml vials. Due to the variety of needs across different labs, format changes are needed for particular use cases. 4.1 DELIVERY / INSTALLATION Delivery shall be within 4 weeks of the Purchase Order award. The Contractor shall coordinate delivery and tracking information with the NCI Technical Point of Contact (TPOC), TBD at award, with tracking information to anticipate delivery to the best extent possible. All shipping/handling (including FOB) and delivery/installation fees shall be included in the quote. Upon delivery, the Contractor shall notify the TPOC to schedule installation. The installation date and time shall occur within 14 calendar days after delivery. Installation shall be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified operator. The instrument shall be delivered and installed at the following location: 41 Medlars Drive Building 41 Room B1300 Bethesda MD 2082 The TPOC for delivery, installation, and training is below: TBD at award Phone: TBD at award Email: TBD at award 4.2 TRAINING Within 14 business days after installation, at least one day of training will be provided on-site for at least 4 primary users of the instrument. All training expenses, including materials and/or travel expenses, shall be included in the quoted price. 4.3 WARRANTY The Contractor shall warrant that any instruments, equipment, components, or other supplies (“Supplies”) procured by this purchase are free of defects in design, material, or manufacture for a period of at least 12-months from date of installation. The Contractor shall warrant that all consumables or expendable parts are free of defects in design, material, or manufacture for a period of at least 90 calendar days from date of acceptance by the Government. Supplies which are repaired or replaced shall be warranted for the remainder of the initial warranty period or for 90-days – whichever is greater. 5.0 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS/EVALUATION QUESTIONS Questions must be submitted electronically via email to Contracting Officer, Adam Hernandez, at adam.hernandez@nih.gov in MS Word or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), no later than 9:00 AM EST, Thurdsay, July 29, 2021 (07/29/2021). Please be advised that the Government reserves the right to transmit any questions and answers of a common interest to all prospective Contractors. QUOTATIONS Quotations must be submitted electronically via email to Contracting Officer, Adam Hernandez, at adam.hernandez@nih.gov in MS Word or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), no later than 3:00 PM EST, Monday, August 2, 2021 (08/02/2021). Reference 75N91021Q00183 on all correspondence. 5.1 BASIS FOR AWARD & EVALUATION The purchase order will be awarded to the firm that submits the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) quotation. A technically acceptable quote is one in which the quoter(s) complies with the Statement of Need (SON) and does not take exception, nor object to any of the terms of the RFQ. Quotes that are not technically acceptable will not be considered for award. Award will be made on an all or none basis. If you are providing an “equal” product, you must submit additional documentation that highlights and describes how your offering is equal in accordance with FAR Clause 52.211-6. Evaluation and award will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of FAR 13.106. The technical evaluation will be a determination based on information furnished by the Contractor. The Government is not responsible for locating or securing any information which is not identified in the quotation. The Government intends to evaluate quotations and make a single award. Quotations should contain the quoter’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to request quote revisions that seek additional price discounts, provide revisions to the technical quote, or clarify aspects of the quote. In the event quote revisions are requested, the Government will not necessarily be seeking revisions from all quoters. The Government may reject any or all quotes if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest quote; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in quotes received. 5.2 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS This Request for Quotation (RFQ) does not commit the Government to pay any cost for preparation and submission of a quote. In addition, the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this proposed acquisition. By submitting a quote in response to this solicitation, it is understood that your firm’s quote shall become a part of the official contract file. The Vendor’s quote must stipulate that it is predicated upon all the terms and conditions of this RFQ and signed by an official authorized to bind your organization. In addition, it must contain a statement to the effect that it is firm for a period of at least 60 days from the date of receipt thereof by the Government. Quotes shall be submitted with a completed copy of FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment, located in Section 8.0 attached to this RFQ. 5.3 Price Quote: The price quotation must contain all information necessary to allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the prices quoted. The quote must also contain the following information: a. Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN); b. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number; c. Business Size (e.g., small or large) SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS DUE TO COVID-19 Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, please pay close attention to the following delivery instructions and ensure that sufficient information is included in the quote to be considered for an award. Please be aware that due to the fluidity of the existing pandemic, instructions may be updated as needed after award. All quotes must include confirmation that equipment is or will be available for delivery by the due date indicated in Section 4.1. Quoters must confirm: Willingness to store or hold equipment until NCI is ready to accept the equipment at no additional cost. The equipment will not be sold to another company in the event NCI is not ready to accept delivery due to unanticipated changes related to COVID-19. Training as identified in Section 4.2 may be made available and provided to required staff at different times and dates at no additional cost. Communicate and follow instructions from the NCI TPOC to coordinate delivery, installation, and training. The delivery address and TPOC’s information will be provided at time of award and must be included as part of the order/shipping label.