Notice of Intent to Sole Source Water Bottle Filler with Acidifier

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source a firm-fixed-price contract to Avidity Science, LLC. The contract is for a bottle filling station with an acidifier, an automated, self-contained system designed for its vivarium and laboratory animal research facilities in Bethesda, Maryland. USU is replacing an existing Avidity water acidifier system that has reached the end of its life cycle. The sole-source procurement is justified because the facility's current water supply lines, drainage systems, and electrical configurations are specifically sized for an Avidity unit. Additionally, USU maintains an active inventory of Avidity acid, filters, and replacement parts. Standardizing with this manufacturer eliminates the need for extra storage space for disparate parts and aligns with an active service contract for two other existing Avidity units, maximizing administrative and maintenance efficiencies. Procured under FAR Part 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), this notice allows responsible sources to submit bids, proposals, or quotations. To be considered, alternative responses must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the government, would not be cost- or time-prohibitive, and can meet the government's specific technical and integration needs. Responses must be emailed to the designated contact by the notice's closing date.