Inactive

PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE OF INTENT NON-COMPETITIVE SUBJECT Service and maintenance agreement for Leica DM6 (S/N #497392) and DMi8 (S/N #508901) Microscopes for the NCATS Therapeutic Development Branch ... PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE OF INTENT NON-COMPETITIVE SUBJECT Service and maintenance agreement for Leica DM6 (S/N #497392) and DMi8 (S/N #508901) Microscopes for the NCATS Therapeutic Development Branch REGULATORY AUTHORITY This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13—Simplified Acquisition Procedures, and the procedures prescribed in FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1), Soliciting from a single source. The resultant contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses of the FAR in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2021-06, dated July 12, 2021. DESCRIPTION Pursuant to FAR Subpart 5.2—Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions, THIS IS A PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A CONTRACT WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Office of Acquisition, on behalf of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, therapeutic Development Branch intends to negotiate and award a purchase order for a service and maintenance agreement for NCATS-owned Leica DM6 (S/N #497392) and DMi8 ( S/N #508901) Microscopes. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the nation’s leading medical research agency and the primary Federal agency whose mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability, conducting, supporting and making medical discoveries that improve people’s health and save lives. The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which mission it is to catalyze the generation of innovative methods and technologies that will enhance the development, testing and implementation of diagnostics and therapeutics across a wide range of human diseases and conditions. The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) electrophysiology lab requires the use of inverted and upright microscopes for multiple patch-clamp setups and microscopy techniques. In order to obtain reliable, reproducible, high quality data, this equipment must undergo annual maintenance and receive repairs when not working properly. NCATS purchased these microscope systems (Leica DM6 and DMi8) in 2020, which included a 1-year manufacturer warranty. This warranty has expired. To extend the warranty of this equipment, a service and maintenance agreement is sought to ensure the highest quality up-keep of this equipment. ANTICIPATED SOURCE Company Name - Leica Microsystems Inc. Company Address – 1700 Leider Lane, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 Contact Phone - (629) 221-2163 DUNS: 115978041 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE The anticipated period of performance is one (1) base year and three (3) successive option years if exercised: Base year: August 17, 2021 to August 16, 2022 (12-months) Option year 1: August 17, 2022 to August 16, 2023 (12-months) Option year 2: August 17, 2023 to August 16, 2024 (12-months) Option year 3: August 17, 2024 to August 16, 2025 (12-months) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE NCATS 9800 Medical Center Dr Bldg C / Room 065 Rockville, MD 20850 REASON FOR NON-COMPETITIVE ACTION The essential characteristics of the Leica DM6 and DMi8 microscopes Preventive Maintenance and Service Agreement that limit the availability to a sole source are that the Leica is the sole contractor qualified to provide OEM parts, services and technicians for the DM6 and DMi8 microscopes mentioned above. The Leica DM6 and DMi8 microscopes are proprietary technology of Leica Microsystems Inc., which is the only service provider who can maintain these instruments and extend the manufacturer's warranty. The NCATS invested in the DM6 and DMi8 microscopes which are complex pieces of equipment that provides the means to further the Therapeutic Development Branch. There are several key components within this enclosed instrument which need to be maintained and in working order to minimize down time allowing the important research to continue uninterrupted. A service agreement allows for quick repairs, if needed, as well as regular maintenance and upgrades, which is required to ensure that the equipment continues to perform at peak manufacturer standards. Leica Microsystems Inc. is the only service provider who can provide factory-trained and certified Field Service Engineers for annual preventative maintenance and repairs along with access to Leica OneCall Technical Support Center resources. This is supported by the Sole Source letter provided by Leica stating that only Leica can provide Leica trained and certified technicians to work on their equipment. Furthermore, the software used in these systems is proprietary to Leica and only Leica can provide the software updates necessary for these systems to continue operating properly. Service by any other vendor would void the manufacturer's warranty. CLOSING STATEMENT This synopsis is not a request for competitive proposals. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, however, which shall be considered by the agency. Responses to this notice must include clear and convincing evidence of the offeror’s capability of fulfilling the requirement. In addition, the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size must be included in the response. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The information received will normally be considered solely for the purposes of determining whether to proceed on a non-competitive basis or to conduct a competitive procurement. All responses must be received by 9:00 A.M., Eastern Standard Time on August 5, 2021. Responses must be submitted electronically to Nick Niefeld at nick.niefeld@nih.gov. Fax responses are not accepted.