Inactive

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcem... This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in 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 is 75N95021Q00325 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). This acquisition is for a commercial item or service and is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13—Simplified Acquisition Procedures and FAR Part 12—Acquisition of Commercial Items, and is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2021-06, dated 07-12-2021. The solicitation is unrestricted and open to all offerors. The associated NAICS code is 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees. Supplies or Services and Prices The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI) collaborates with external research partners to discover and develop novel treatments for diverse medical conditions. For this purpose, DPI needs a quantity of one (1) Halo Labs Aura Subvisible Particle Characterization System or equal that is capable of quantitatively measuring and identifying any sub-visible particles in solutions and interpreting whether the compounds of interest are completely dissolved. Price Schedule Line Item: 00001 Item: Product Code 50-1001 – Halo Labs Aura Subvisible Particle Characterization System Quantity: 1 Total Price: $__________ Line Item: 0001A Item: Equal Product Code ________ – Equipment Name__________ Quantity: 1 Total Price: $__________ TOTAL PRICE: $__________ Background and Requirement NCATS develops novel approaches to improve the process of joining basic science discoveries with initial testing of therapies in humans. Within NCATS, DPI plans, conducts and uses both internal and contract resources to advance collaborative research projects across the preclinical phases of the translational science spectrum. New chemical entities / small molecule drug candidates require identification of appropriate solvents before further preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) studies can commence. Developing a solvent system suitable for these studies can be complex and time consuming without first conducting proper solubility screening. The procurement of a Halo Labs Aura Subvisible Particle Characterization System or equal will be used by NCATS researchers and scientists to facilitate solubility screening studies and will significantly reduce the time necessary to find the most suitable solvent systems to initiate preclinical studies in the discovery phase. Moreover, these solubility data also serve as a basis for the development of clinical formulations of advanced therapeutic candidates intended for administration to humans. In addition to small molecules, the scientific instrument will be used to support the development of more complex therapeutic candidates, such as peptides and proteins. Currently, NCATS relies on external contract service providers to perform these solubility and formulation studies, limiting the throughput of experiments. The objective of this acquisition is to bring key equipment in-house so that NCATS scientists can conduct these studies directly and at higher-throughput, which will result in significant cost savings over time. Lastly, a Halo Labs Aura Subvisible Particle Characterization System or Equal is immediately needed for NCATS to continue its ongoing COVID-19 research specifically to support the Antivirals for Pandemic Preparedness (APP) project. The APP project aims to continue to study COVID-19 and expand the discovery and development of antiviral therapeutic candidates to treat SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, other coronaviruses, and emerging pathogens with pandemic potential. Product’s brand name or Equal: Aura Subvisible Particle Characterization System Manufacturer: Halo Labs Catalog Number: 50-1001 Quantity: One (1) ------ Salient characteristics The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that “equal” products must meet are as follows: The system must include high-contrast, high-resolution images using direct illumination and fluorescence. The system must have the ability to discriminate between particles of differing types / origins. The system must have a high-throughput format (minimum of 96-well plates) with short analysis time per sample. The system must have the ability to handle measurements in low sample volumes (at or below 10 microliters). The system must have the ability to resolve a range of particle sizes (from micrometers to millimeters). The system must have a PC workstation with all necessary software for instrument operation and data analysis. See Attachment 1 – Purchase Description Contract Type It is the Government’s intent to issue a Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order. Delivery, Installation, Training and Warranty Requirements The Contractor shall provide an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified service technician to perform setup, installation, and an on-site training session for staff members. The Contractor shall deliver and install the equipment within 90 days after receipt of order (ARO). Delivery must be Freight on Board (FOB) Destination and include inside delivery. The equipment shall be delivered and installed in coordination with NCATS Program Official(s) [to be specified at time of award]. The Contractor shall deliver and install the required equipment to laboratory space in Building B. The equipment shall be delivered and installed between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except on Federal Holidays). National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences Division of Preclinical Innovation 9800 Medical Center Drive Building B/ Room 1022 Rockville, MD, 20850 On-site training (2 days) must take place within two (2) weeks of equipment installation. The Contractor must provide training to NCATS staff on the system. This will include: Unpacking, assembly, and full build of the manufactured products and produced software. Installation of the system components and alignment where suitable. Full product training on all products as part of the installation. An overview of the operation of the entire system and the supplied software. Guidance and advice on the installation of third party (non-manufactured) products supplied by the Contractor, if applicable. The Contractor shall warrant that that the Equipment will be free from defects for a period of 12-months from the date of installation, inspection, and acceptance by the Government. The Contractor must have a dedicated service team. This service team should be able to exchange faulty items with their service stock within a week of the user’s equipment fault. ------ The provision at FAR clause 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and is incorporated by reference. The provision at FAR clause 52.212-2, Evaluation – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The Government will award a purchase order resulting from this solicitation on the basis of lowest price technically acceptable. Technical acceptability will be evaluated based upon the following: The Offeror must include all brand name or equal equipment detailed in the project requirements in its quotation. Or Equal equipment must meet or exceed each salient characteristic in the table below. Product’s brand name or Equal: Aura Subvisible Particle Characterization System Manufacturer: Halo Labs Catalog Number: 50-1001 Quantity: One (1) Salient characteristics: The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that “equal” products must meet are as follows: The system must include high-contrast, high-resolution images using direct illumination and fluorescence. [yes/no] [comment/reference] The system must have the ability to discriminate between particles of differing types / origins. [yes/no] [comment/reference] The system must have a high-throughput format (minimum of 96-well plates) with short analysis time per sample. [yes/no] [comment/reference] The system must have the ability to handle measurements in low sample volumes (at or below 10 microliters). [yes/no] [comment/reference] The system must have the ability to resolve a range of particle sizes (from micrometers to millimeters). [yes/no] [comment]reference] The system must have a PC workstation with all necessary software for instrument operation and data analysis. [yes/no] [comment/reference] In addition to completing the table above, the respondents must provide brochures and/or published technical specifications that provide evidence of or equal equipments ability to meet the specifications in the table above. (b) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award. Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision at FAR clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items, with its offer. See Attachment 2 – FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (Feb 2021). The FAR clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and is incorporated by reference. Addendum to FAR clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items applies to this acquisition. The additional contract terms and conditions are as follows. 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.acquisition.gov (End of provision) Provisions Incorporated by Reference: FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Oct 2018) FAR 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (Aug 2020) FAR 52.204-17 Ownership or Control of Offeror (Aug 2020) FAR 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999) FAR 52.214-34 Submission of Offers in the English Language (Apr 1991) FAR 52.214-35 Submission of Offers in U.S. Currency (Apr 1991) FAR 52.225-4 Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate (Feb 2021) FAR 52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting With Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran—Representation and Certifications (Jun 2020) Provisions Inorporated in full text: FAR 52.204-20 Predecessor of Offeror (Aug 2020) (a) Definitions. As used in this provision– Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code means– (1) An identifier assigned to entities located in the United States or its outlying areas by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch to identify a commercial or government entity by unique location; or (2) An identifier assigned by a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to entities located outside the United States and its outlying areas that the DLA Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch records and maintains in the CAGE master file. This type of code is known as a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code. Predecessor means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor. Successor means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term "successor" does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name. The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State law and specific circumstances. (b) The Offeror represents that it ? is or ? is not a successor to a predecessor that held a Federal contract or grant within the last three years. (c) If the Offeror has indicated "is" in paragraph (b) of this provision, enter the following information for all predecessors that held a Federal contract or grant within the last three years (if more than one predecessor, list in reverse chronological order): Predecessor CAGE code:??????????(or mark "Unknown"). Predecessor legal name: ??????????. (Do not use a "doing business as" name). (End of provision) FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Oct 2020) The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3. (a) Definitions. As used in this provision— Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (b) Prohibition. (1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to— (i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or (ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles. (2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to— (i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or (ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles. (c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services". (d) Representation. The Offeror represents that— (1) It ? will, ? will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and (2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that— It ? does, ? does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section. (e) Disclosures. (1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer: (i) For covered equipment— (A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known); (B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and (C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision. (ii) For covered services— (A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or (B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision. (2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer: (i) For covered equipment— (A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known); (B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and (C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision. (ii) For covered services— (A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or (B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision. (End of provision) FAR 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation (Oct 2020) (a) Definitions. As used in this provision, "covered telecommunications equipment or services" and "reasonable inquiry" have the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (b) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services". (c) (1) Representation. The Offeror represents that it ? does, ? does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument. (2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry for purposes of this representation, the offeror represents that it ? does, ? does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. (End of provision) FAR 52.225-20 Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan-Certification (Aug 2009) (a) Definitions. As used in this provision- Business operations means engaging in commerce in any form, including by acquiring, developing, maintaining, owning, selling, possessing, leasing, or operating equipment, facilities, personnel, products, services, personal property, real property, or any other apparatus of business or commerce. Marginalized populations of Sudan means- (1) Adversely affected groups in regions authorized to receive assistance under section 8(c) of the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act (Pub. L. 109-344) ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note); and (2) Marginalized areas in Northern Sudan described in section 4(9) of such Act. Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate- (1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan; (2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization; (3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan; (4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization; (5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or (6) Have been voluntarily suspended. (b) Certification. By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that the offeror does not conduct any restricted business operations in Sudan. (End of provision) HHSAR 352.239-73 Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Notice (December 18, 2015) (a) Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Electronic and Information (EIT) Accessibility Standards (36 CFR part 1194), require that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology, Federal employees with disabilities have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal agency, have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that provided to the public who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. (b) Accordingly, any offeror responding to this solicitation must comply with established HHS EIT accessibility standards. Information about Section 508 is available at http://www.hhs.gov/web/508. The complete text of the Section 508 Final Provisions can be accessed at http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-section-508-standards. (c) The Section 508 accessibility standards applicable to this solicitation are stated in the clause at 352.239-74, Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility. In order to facilitate the Government’s determination whether proposed EIT supplies meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must submit an HHS Section 508 Product Assessment Template, in accordance with its completion instructions. The purpose of the template is to assist HHS acquisition and program officials in determining whether proposed EIT supplies conform to applicable Section 508 accessibility standards. The template allows offerors or developers to self-evaluate their supplies and document—in detail—whether they conform to a specific Section 508 accessibility standard, and any underway remediation efforts addressing conformance issues. Instructions for preparing the HHS Section 508 Evaluation Template are available under Section 508 policy on the HHS website http://www.hhs.gov/web/508. In order to facilitate the Government’s determination whether proposed EIT services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must provide enough information to assist the Government in determining that the EIT services conform to Section 508 accessibility standards, including any underway remediation efforts addressing conformance issues. (d) Respondents to this solicitation must identify any exception to Section 508 requirements. If a offeror claims its supplies or services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, and it is later determined by the Government, i.e., after award of a contract or order, that supplies or services delivered do not conform to the described accessibility standards, remediation of the supplies or services to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its expense. (End of provision) FAR clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders–Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and is incorporated by reference. Additionally, the following FAR clauses in paragraph (b) of 52.212-5 that are applicable to the acquisition are: FAR 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest when Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Jun 2020) FAR 52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) FAR 52.222-3 Convict Labor (June 2003) FAR 52.222-19 Child Labor—Cooperation With Authorities and Remedies (Jan 2020) FAR 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015) FAR 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) FAR 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers With Disabilities (Jun 2020) FAR 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Oct 2020) FAR 52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Jun 2020) FAR 52.225-3 Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (Jan 2021)-Alternate I (Jan 2021) FAR 52.225-13 Restriction on Certain Foreign Purchases (Feb 2021) FAR 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-- System for Award Management (Oct 2018) FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.acquisition.gov (End of clause) Clauses incorporated by reference: FAR 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018) FAR 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (AUG 2020) FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (Oct 2018) FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items (Jul 2021) FAR 52.225-3 Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (Jan 2021) Clauses included in full text: HHSAR 352.222-70 Contractor Cooperation in Equal Employment Opportunity Investigations (December 18, 2015) (a) In addition to complying with the clause at FAR 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity, the Contractor shall, in good faith, cooperate with the Department of Health and Human Services (Agency) in investigations of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaints processed pursuant to 29 CFR part 1614. For purposes of this clause, the following definitions apply: (1) Complaint means a formal or informal complaint that has been lodged with Agency management, Agency EEO officials, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or a court of competent jurisdiction. (2) Contractor employee means all current Contractor employees who work or worked under this contract. The term also includes current employees of subcontractors who work or worked under this contract. In the case of Contractor and subcontractor employees, who worked under this contract, but who are no longer employed by the Contractor or subcontractor, or who have been assigned to another entity within the Contractor’s or subcontractor’s organization, the Contractor shall provide the Agency with that employee’s last known mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone number, if that employee has been identified as a witness in an EEO complaint or investigation. (3) Good faith cooperation cited in paragraph (a) includes, but is not limited to, making Contractor employees available for: (i) Formal and informal interviews by EEO counselors or other Agency officials processing EEO complaints; (ii) Formal or informal interviews by EEO investigators charged with investigating complaints of unlawful discrimination filed by Federal employees; (iii) Reviewing and signing appropriate affidavits or declarations summarizing statements provided by such Contractor employees during the course of EEO investigations; (iv) Producing documents requested by EEO counselors, EEO investigators, Agency employees, or the EEOC in connection with a pending EEO complaint; and (v) Preparing for and provid...

Inactive

This is a Small Business Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the avai... This is a Small Business Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of qualified small business sources; (2) whether they are small businesses; HUBZone small businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses; and (3) their size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. For equipment/supply requirements, small business responses must include: (1) the place of manufacturing (i.e. address if supply/equipment is a domestic end product and include country of manufacture), as well as (2) the size status of the manufacturer under the applicable NAICS code (i.e. address Non-Manufacturer Rule). Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. An organization that is not considered a small business under the applicable NAICS code should not submit a response to this notice. This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made as a result of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only. Background: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) was established to transform the translational process so that new treatments and cures for disease can be delivered to patients faster. The NCATS Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI) plans, conducts and uses both internal and contract resources to advance collaborative research projects across the preclinical phases of the translational science spectrum. Specifically, this division: Plans, conducts and collaborates on research to develop new methods and technologies to enhance preclinical processes. Plans, conducts and collaborates on research to evaluate existing and developing approaches, technologies, and processes in the preclinical spectrum. Supports training programs relevant to preclinical phases of translational science. Allocates DPI resources to preclinical extramural and intramural investigators. Collaborates with other NIH Institutes and Centers and the scientists they support. Consults with stakeholders, including patients, industry and regulators. Purpose and Objectives: The NCATS DPI collaborates with external research partners to discover and develop novel treatments for diverse medical conditions. NCATS requires key research equipment to facilitate the preclinical development of potential new drugs, specifically the development of useful formulations in appropriate solvents to support its DPI research programs and projects. Currently, NCATS conducts such formulation studies through external research support contracts; however, NCATS intends to key equipment to allow NCATS scientists to conduct these studies in-house and requires a sub-visible particle characterization instrument. Project Requirements: Summarize the potential requirement or proposed acquisition, including its scope, focus, technical/performance requirements or specifications, and any deliverables, reports, and/or data that may be required under any resultant contract. Highlight any areas of particular importance. The Sub-visible Particle Characterization Instrument which has a high-throughput shall be capable of quantitatively measuring and identifying any sub-visible particles in solutions and shall interpret whether the compounds of interest are completely dissolved. The salient characteristics of the instrument shall: Provide a high-contrast, high-resolution images using direct illumination and fluorescence; Have the ability to discriminate between particles of differing types / origins; Have a high-throughput format (minimum of 96-well plates) with short analysis time per sample; Have the ability to handle measurements in low sample volumes (at or below 10 microliters); Have the ability to resolve a range of particle sizes (from micrometers to millimeters) Include a custom PC workstation with all necessary software for instrument operation and data analysis; Be installed by an authorized original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certified trained technician; Include end-user training by qualified, vendor-approved technical representatives Include a 12-month warranty Anticipated delivery/period of performance: The anticipated delivery and installation shall be within 90 days after receipt of order (ARO). The warranty shall be effective 12-months from the date of installation of the instrument. Other important considerations: Respondents must provide a capability statement. Additionally, the respondent must also provide their DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc., pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements. The information submitted must be must be in and outline format that addresses each of the elements of the project requirement and in the capability statement /information sought paragraphs stated herein. A cover page and an executive summary may be included but is not required. The response is limited to ten (10) page limit. The 10-page limit does not include the cover page, executive summary, or references, if requested. The response must include the respondents’ technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. All responses to this notice must be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer. Facsimile responses are NOT accepted. The response must be submitted electronically to Rieka Plugge at rieka.plugge@nih.gov. The response must be received on or before 9:00 A.M., Eastern Standard Time on August 6, 2021. “Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in betaSAM. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).”