USDA, ARS, NAA, PIADC, PO Box 848, Greenport, New York 11944

66 -- MICROARRAYER SOL PIADC-0-005 DUE 061200 POC Lynda Biedermann, Contract Specialist Tel: (631)323-3203 Fax: (631) 323-3101 The USDA, Agricultural Research Service requires a Microarrayer and all associated components be furnished and installed at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Plum Island, NY. The system includes all necessary hardware and software components, special tools, etc., required to provide a fully functional Microarrayer system. The system shall be configured and tested for full functionality, and must be fully operational at project completion. FACILITY DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION: Plum Island is United States Government property located two (2) miles east of Orient Point, New York, off the extreme northeastern end of Long Island. 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 solicitation; prices are being requested and a written solicitation is available upon request by fax at (631) 323-3101, that contains all the same information as in this synopsis. The Solicitation number PIADC-0-005 is issued as a request for proposals. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-15. This procurement is unrestricted. Any questions arising from this solicitation should be submitted to Dennis Foley, Contracting Officer, in writing not later than close of business on June 1, 2000. Questions may be submitted via mail to the address above or by fax (631) 323-3101. Questions should reference the particular section in the solicitation or specification of concern. All written questions received will be answered in writing and transmitted to all offerors via an amendment to the solicitation. SPECIFICATION:Purpose of the Microarrayer to study gene expression using hybridization of RNA to DNA containing glass or membrane grids. The Microarrayer, at a minimum should possess the following properties: 1)Due to very limited space in the laboratory, the Microarrayer should be able to fit in a bench space of 3 ft wide, 3 ft deep and 3 ft high. 2)Microarrayer should have data tracking with an integrated bar code reader. 3)Microarrayer should have the flexibility to use from 1 to 64 pins for sample delivery and can be easily configured for 96, 384 or 1536 well source plates.4)Microarrayer should be able to use solid and split pins for versatile arraying applications. 5)Microarrayer should array onto nylon, glass slides and nylon coated glass slides.6)Microarrayer should grid arrays onto 100 1" x 3" microscope slides, 4 22cm x 22cm nylon membranes or 24 8cm x 12cm nylon membranes. 7)Microarrayer should provide a liquid cooled refrigeration unit for source plates in dump storage and array spotting. 8)Microarrayer should have the ability to remove and replace the lids from source microplates one at a time during the course of the arraying process to reduce contamination and evaporation. 9)Microarrayer should have 10-micron resolution which allows for up to 100,000+ features per slide. 10)Microarrayer should have sub-micron repeatability and accuracy. 11)Microarrayer should have user-friendly software that is customizable to the user's application and also has defaults settings allowing for flexibility in array patterning. The software allows for repeat strikes to the same location. 12)Microarrayer should have the ability to re-array, replicate and perform library management.13)Purchase of Microarrayer will include on site instrument training as well as wet-lab based application training. DELIVERABLES: The system shall be delivered to the USDA, ARS, NAA, PIADC, ROUTE 25, ORIENT POINT, NEW YORK 11957 FOB Destination within 90 days. Delivery shall be made within the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excl. Federal holidays, and shall be scheduled with the COR named at the time of award. Installation shall be completed within 30 days after delivery to Plum Island. Training shall be completed within 15 days after completion of installation. PACKING AND SHIPPING: All items packed and shipped shall have the mailing label addressed as follows: USDA, ARS, NAA, PIADC, Route 25, Orient Point, New York 11957 and include the purchase order number. INSTALLATION: The contractor shall be responsible for the movement of all equipment to installation site via Government marine transportation or hold the Government and it's agents harmless while providing such service. The Contractor shall install the equipment, software, and any associated components at the location designated by the Government. The Contractor shall also perform verification testing and provide technical support. Installation of this system is to be coordinated with the COR (to be named at time of award) and completed within 30 days from delivery. SETUP AND TRAINING: The Contractor shall be responsible for performing all start-up operations to ensure the system is fully functional for its intended purpose. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at least one (1) week in advance to coordinate the date for installation and training. The Contractor shall provide training (on-site at the PIADC in Laboratory 101) to laboratory personnel on the proper operation and use of the system and include at a minimum: operation and maintenance of the system. Training shall be completed within 15 days after installation completion and include all pertinent training materials. DOCUMENTATION: Upon delivery at PIADC, the Contractor shall provide to the Contracting Officer, two (2) sets each of all equipment/software manuals for the microarrayer to be installed by the Contractor under this order. Final payment shall not be made until such documentation is received and accepted by the Contracting Officer. WARRANTY. A standard commercial warranty shall be provided for the software and equipment. The Contractor shall extend to the Government the full coverage of any standard commercial warranty normally offered in a similar commercial sale, provided such warranty is available at no additional cost to the Government. Acceptance of the standard commercial warranty does not waive the Government's rights under the Inspection clause nor does it limit the Government's rights with regard to the other terms and conditions of this contract. The provision of FAR 52-212-1, Instruction to Offerors -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. ADDENDA TO FAR CLAUSE 52.212-1. 1. Item (b) Submission of Offers is amended to include the following: Submit your proposal, acknowledgment of amendments (if any), software licencing agreements (if any), descriptive literature for the proposed equipment and software, past performance information, and the Certifications at FAR 52.212-3 and 52.225-1, Buy American Certificate, to Lynda Biedermann, USDA, ARS, NAA, PIADC, P.O. BOX 848, GREENPORT, NEW YORK 11944. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THIS INFORMATION MAY RENDER THE OFFER NONRESPONSIVE. TELEGRAPHIC OR FACSIMILE OFFERS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. 2. Item (c) Period for acceptance of offers is amended to include the following: The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 120 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers. The provision at 52-212-1, Instruction to Offerors -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The provision of FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following evaluation criteria are included in paragraph (a) of that provision. The Contracting Officer will make an award based on price and price-related factors. ADDENDUM TO FAR CLAUSE 52.212-2. EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD: Any resulting order will be issued to the company offering the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered. Factors that will be considered are Technical capability, past performance and price. Technical capability and past performance, when combined, are significantly more important than price. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION RELATIVE TO EACH EVALUATION FACTOR MAY RENDER YOUR OFFER NON-RESPONSIVE. 1) TECHNICAL CAPABILITY: Technical capability will be based on product literature,technical features and/or warranty provisions. Each offeror is required to submit licensing (if applicable), descriptive literature,or other documentation, manufacturer or brand name and model of the item, and show how the offered product meets or exceeds the requirements as specified in the Specifications. 2) PAST PERFORMANCE: Past performance history may be based on the Contracting Officer and/or evaluation team's knowledge of any previous history of this type of equipment, customer surveys or any other verifiable information available to the Contracting Officer. The offeror's lack of performance history will not result in disqualification, but will result in a neutral past performance rating. A neutral score could be considered less favorable than a favorable past performance score. In order to be considered for a contract award, Contractors shall provide a list of five (5) contracts of a similar nature and complexity that the were awarded within the past five (5) years or that is/are currently in force. This information must be submitted with your offer. For each contract, list the following: 1. Name, address, and telephone number of the contracting organization, the Government's Project Officer and Contracting Officer. 2. Contract number, type, and dollar value. 3. Date of contract and period of performance. 4. List any contract(s) terminated for convenience or default (partial or complete) within the past three (3) years. Include the contract number, name, address, and telephone number of the terminating officer. 3) PRICE: Price includes all equipment, software, software licensing, training, warranty costs, discount terms, and transportation costs. The full text of these clauses may be accessed electronically at this address: http://www.arnet.gov/far/. Offerors shall include a complete copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror/Representation and Certifications-Commercial Items, and FAR Clause 52.225-1, Buy American Certificate with its quotation. FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following terms and conditions are added as an addendum to this clause: 1. Includes AGAR 452.246-70 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE (FEB 1988). Item (b) is amended to: Inspection and acceptance will be performed at destination location. 2. Item (g) Invoice is amended to include the following: An Original and one copy of the invoice shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer, upon completion of delivery, installation and training. The Invoice shall be mailed to: USDA, ARS, NAA, PIADC, P.O. Box 848, Greenport, New York 11944, Attn: Lynda Biedermann, Contract Specialist. 3. Item (o) Warranty is amended to include the following: The Contractor shall extend to the Government the full coverage of any standard commercial warranty normally offered in a similar commercial sale, provided such warranty is available at no additional cost to the Government. Acceptance of the standard commercial warranty does not waive the Government's rights under the Inspection clause nor does it limit the Government's rights with regard to the other terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict, the terms and conditions of the contract shall take precedence over the standard commercial warranty. 4. This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference. 52.204-4, PRINTING/COPYING DOUBLE-SIDED ON RECYCLED PAPER (JUN 1996); 52.247-34, F.O.B. DESTINATION (NOV 1991); 52.214-34, SUBMISSION OF OFFERS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE (APR 1991); 52.214-35, SUBMISSION OF OFFERS IN US CURRENCY (APR 1991); 52.224-1, PRIVACY ACT NOTIFICATION (APR 1984); 52.224-2, PRIVACY ACT (APR 1984); 52.224-70, CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION (FEB 1988); 52.227-19, COMMERCIAL COMPUTER SOFTWARE-RESTRICTED RIGHTS (JUN 1987); 452-228-71, INSURANCE COVERAGE (ALTERNATE I)(NOV 1996) (NOV 1996); 52.228-5, INSURANCE-WORK ON A GOVERNMENT INSTALLATION (JAN 1997); 52.232-18, AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (APR 1984); 52.232-19, AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR 1984); 452.237-75, RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DISCLOSURE (FEB 1988); 52.242-15, STOP WORK ORDER (AUG 1989); 52.242-17, GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK (APR 1984); 52.245-1, PROPERTY RECORDS (APR 1984); 52.245-4, GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY (SHORT FORM) (APR 1984); 52.245-19, GOVERNMENT PROPERTY FURNISHED "AS IS" (APR 1984). 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statues or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following FAR clauses cited in 52.212-5 are applicable to this acquisition for supplies: 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUL 1995); 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999); 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (APR 1984); 52.222-35, Affirmative Action for Disabled Veterans and Vietnam Era Veterans (APR 1998); 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 1998); 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era (JAN 1999); 52.225-3, Buy American Act Supplies (JAN 1994); 52.225-13 Restrictions on certain Foreign Purchases (FEB 2000); 52.225-21, Buy American Act North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act Balance of Payments Program (JAN 1997); 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer Central Contractor Registration (May 1999); 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (AUG 1996). Responses are due June 12, 2000 by 3:00 P.M. (local time), at the USDA, ARS, NAA, PIADC, Contracting Office at Plum Island, New York. The Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) is operated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the study of foreign animal diseases. Research work is conducted on an island in order to better prevent the escape of disease organisms to the mainland. The vital consideration of safeguarding mainland livestock makes necessary certain rules and procedures governing all activities on the island, as well as personnel and materials traveling to and from the island. Strict adherence to all rules and procedures regarding conduct on Federal Property is mandatory. Posted 05/19/00 (W-SN456564). (0140)

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