Inactive

U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam Date: September 26, 2023 Subject: Justification for brand name – PR12008509 – OLYMPUS BX43 MICROSCOPE. The US Embassy Dar es Salaam wishes to acquire an Olympus BX series mi... U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam Date: September 26, 2023 Subject: Justification for brand name – PR12008509 – OLYMPUS BX43 MICROSCOPE. The US Embassy Dar es Salaam wishes to acquire an Olympus BX series microscope. All the required items have been outlined below. U.S. Government intends to award a contract to a reputable and responsible company submitting a quote which is technically acceptable and at the lowest price. OLYMPUS BX43 MICROSCOPE – 1PC Nature and/or description of the action being approved. Specific brand name procurement for medical equipment to be used in Health Unit Laboratory. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs. Health Unit operations, guided by the MED bureau, in the analyzer list Olympus BX series is listed as approved microscopy. The effectiveness of this investigative process is dependent on the quality and resolving power of the microscope used. MED has evaluated and standardized the use of Olympus microscopes in Health Units around the world. The Health Unit at the U.S. Embassy Dar Es Salaam already use an Olympus BX series and standardization is needed to maintain operational capacity. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. (FAR 6.302-1(c)). An acquisition that uses a brand name description or other purchase description to specify a particular brand name, product, or feature of a product, peculiar to one manufacturer. A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited (for sole source acquisitions; also required for unusual and compelling urgency where more than one offer will not be solicited). The current microscope employed by Dar es Salaam Health Unit Laboratory is of the Olympus brand. Procuring a new Olympus branded microscope will allow for the use of the current microscope’s objective lenses as temporary replacements during servicing. With only minor modifications to the design and functionality of the Olympus BX43 compared to the current microscope, this represents the best option to maintain the quality of health care currently provided by the Health Unit Laboratory. However according to MED/LAB Approved Test Menu and Analyzers page 5, Olympus BX43 have been vetted and evaluated by MED and in various Health Units throughout the world for a consistent experience. The use of alternative microscopes that have not have their performance characteristics verified, despite potentially having similar listed specifications, presents a potential situation where its use compromises the provision of health care or results in equipment that may not use, i.e., money wasted.