Inactive Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (LC... The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (LCBG), currently has a need for an Aquatic Rack System. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for commercial items, prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 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 that will be provided in relation to the stated need contained herein. This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ) and includes applicable provisions and clauses in effect through FAR Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2023-04 (06/02/2023). This requirement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. The requirement’s North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing with a size standard of 1,000 employees. One Firm-Fixed-Priced award is anticipated to be made as a result of this solicitation. BACKGROUND The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (LCBG), will conduct research with zebrafish as a comparative cancer disease model. Research colonies of zebrafish used for modeling cancer disease processes require an aquatic housing rack system that optimizes zebrafish survival, growth and welfare and thereby generates useable and reproducible research results with translational impact in the field of cancer biology. TYPE OF ORDER This shall be issued as a Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order PURCHASE ORDER REQUIREMENTS PRODUCT FEATURES/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS The following product features/characteristics are required for this procurement: Zebrafish rack system that maintains optimal animal health, water quality, flow rates, and monitoring through the following capabilities: Unique drum filtering technology, providing fine mechanical filtration (26 µm), capable of removing the organic material within minutes of entering the system and does not require filter pads and canister filters. Equipped with the InterZEBtec biological monitoring device that samples effluent waste water for 8 weeks (for PCR testing). A Sentinel Tank incorporated in the design where fish receive water that has not been UV sterilized. Suitable for the use of 1.1-liter, 2.4-liter, 3.5-liter, and 8.0-liter tanks separately or altogether according to the need of the user without requiring any change at rack level. Adjustment of water flow at tank level. Each hoseless water flow valve has a clear visual indicator when the flow of water is stopped. The flow regulation valve and the inlet water on/off should be separated. Stainless Steel Ultraviolet Sterilizer which provides disinfection at least 180,000 µWatt/sec/cm2 disinfection rate. Automatically maintains the water temperature at the setpoint value +/- 3°C of the ambient room temperature controlled with an on-board heater. Racks manufactured from AISI 316L-Grade or higher Stainless Steel and Epoxy Powder Coated. Tanks manufactured from an autoclavable light blue transparent polycarbonate (or polysulfone) material that reduces algae growth and increased visibility providing fish with a uniform light environment. Tank has a “V” shaped bottom in the center position length wise, sloping towards the siphon suction point capable of accommodating on rack internal breeding functions as well as controlled shallow water for breeding. Automatic water quality monitoring and dosing, temperature maintenance and water exchange. Multicomponent water treatment via mechanical and carbon filtration and UV disinfection. Submerged recirculating pumps for optimal regulation of water flow with pre-installed back-up pumps to avoid system failure. Tanks, baffles, and associated equipment used to house zebrafish throughout various life stages on-system. The following parts and equipment are requirements for interchangeability with existing NCI-owned zebrafish aquatic rack housing systems. This equipment redundancy is a requirement to minimize any disruption to the research program or excessive mechanical hazard resulting to possibly endanger either the research program or animal health or welfare. Tanks with lids uniquely shaped tank: V-channel bottom, rounded corners, sloped from front to back – funnels debris to suction point of the siphon. Tank fit and system connectivity for water supply and filtration must be interchangeable with existing NCI-owned aquatic housing rack system. This necessity will allow tank use across rack housing within the animal facility to minimize disruption of research program or mechanical disruptions that threaten animal welfare. Baffles Tank baffles for multiple life stages (300, 500 and 800 micron) with co-molded plastic mesh Nozzles for water delivery compatible water delivery inlet valve with frontal “push and pull” nozzle and back valve for controlling inlet flow that is designed specifically and will allow interchangeability with existing NCI-owned tanks and rack systems. Tank drainage compatible siphon system with self-cleaning design for enhanced removal of debris, maximizing fish health. Must interchange with existing equipment. Filtration equipment Must have compatible unique drum filtering technology that provides the necessary fine mechanical filtration (26 uM) to maintain consistent water quality environment for all fish housed in all lab research systems. 3.2 Additional Requirements Must include a minimum of 12-month manufacturer’s warranty. Quotes must include all shipping costs. NOTE: NCI will not be responsible for any shipping charges not listed in the quotation. 4.1 TRAINING The Contractor shall provide on-site training for five users. Training shall be conducted by a certified operator. The user training shall include an overview of setup approaches, maintaining instrument settings, establishing operational voltages, and software usage for custom instrument configurations, as well as a demonstration of the performance. Instrument care and maintenance must also be covered. The training shall be provided at a time specified by the Technical Point of Contact within 7 business days following installation of the device. All training expenses, including materials and or travel expenses, shall be included in the quoted price. DELIVERY / INSTALLATION Delivery shall be within ninety days (90) of the Delivery Order award. All shipping/handling (including FOB Destination) and delivery/installation fees shall be included in the quote. Upon delivery, the Contractor shall notify the respective NCI Technical Point of Contact to schedule installation dates and times. Installation shall occur within fourteen (14) calendar days of delivery and shall be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, a certified operator. Equipment shall be delivered to and installed at the following address: 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20892 Technical Point of Contact: [to be provided upon award] WARRANTY In addition to the Implied warranty contained in FAR Clause 52.212-4, the Contractor is encouraged to provide express warranties. At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide a 12-month warranty from date of final installation on all equipment and associated items provided under, or as a part of this purchase order. The warranty shall include repair and or replacement of parts, including travel, labor, and materials, at no additional cost to the Government. The warranty shall not exclude or limit the Governments rights for an Implied warranty as established in the terms and conditions of clause 52.212-4. DELIVERY GUIDANCE The Contractors shall communicate and follow instructions from the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) to coordinate delivery, installation and training. The Contractor shall direct all courier and delivery services – including those not operated by the Contractor (e.g. FedEx, USPS, UPS) – to follow the instructions in this section. All companies delivering to the NIH main campus must comply with Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF) access procedures. Upon arrival, the CVIF will provide a list of buildings and loading docks to delivery personnel. Deliveries will be logged in at the loading dock, and the loading dock contractor or Government personnel will attempt to contact the TPOC listed on the package. In the event that the TPOC is unable to accept the package, the delivery shall not be left at the loading dock station. The delivery must be returned to the Contractor, and the Contractor must coordinate with the TPOC to deliver on another date at no additional cost. Deliveries can only be made between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday – Friday, excluding federal holidays. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE Pursuant to FAR Clause 52.212-4, all items to be delivered in relation to this Purchase Order are subject to final inspection and acceptance by an authorized representative of the Government. The authorized representative of the Government is the TPOC who is responsible for inspection and acceptance of all services, materials, or supplies to be provided by the Contractor.