The U.S. Department of Commerce, through the NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office, is seeking to procure an Agilent 1290 Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) system for the Hollings Marine Lab, with an estimated contract value of $60,000. The requirement is justified based on the compatibility of the new system with existing Agilent equipment in the lab, which includes two Agilent 1290 UHPLC systems and several older Agilent 1100 LC systems. This third UHPLC will enable advanced sample analysis and replace a two-decade-old model. The document notes that only authorized resellers of Agilent Technologies can fulfill this requirement.
Market research indicated five small business resellers who can quote for Agilent equipment, but only one business carries all necessary items on their GSA Schedule. The certification provided by a Chemist within the NCCOS confirms the necessity and accuracy of this acquisition, asserting that only one source is viable for this procurement. This document exemplifies the federal acquisition processes under simplified acquisition procedures, where specific technical requirements and compatibility issues limit the competitive bidder landscape.
This document is an amendment to solicitation number 1305M224Q0350, which is issued by the government for a procurement process. The primary change confirmed through this amendment is a 100% Set Aside for Small Businesses, which was not previously indicated in the SAM.gov posting. The due date for quotes remains unchanged at September 10, 2024, at 1600 hours. The amendment outlines the processes for acknowledging receipt, making changes to offers, and emphasizes the importance of timely acknowledgment to prevent rejection of offers. The amendment serves to modify existing terms, while all other conditions, terms, and provisions of the solicitation remain in full effect. It underscores the government's commitment to small business inclusion in federal contracting opportunities.
The document serves as a combined synopsis/solicitation for the procurement of laboratory equipment by the Department of Commerce, NOAA. It specifically invites small businesses to submit quotes for various Agilent HPLC systems, including a vialsampler, a flexible quaternary pump, a handheld controller, and a base system, with delivery expected within 60 days post-award. The solicitation under RFQ number 1305M224Q0350 follows a lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) evaluation and incorporates clauses from the Federal Acquisition Regulations effective through the latest circular. Offerors must provide specific information including compliance with the RFQ terms, identification details, and representations related to telecommunications equipment or services. Questions may be submitted via email until the specified deadline, and all submissions must be certified through the SAM database. The contracting process emphasizes transparency and compliance with federal guidelines, reflecting the government's aim to support small business participation while ensuring product delivery standards for upcoming laboratory needs.
The NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) seeks to procure an Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) system to replace an aging Agilent 1100 HPLC system at the Hollings Marine Laboratory in Charleston, SC. The new UHPLC system will enhance compound separation and integration with a recently installed mass spectrometer, offering higher resolution and faster sample analysis. The procurement outlines specific requirements, including compatibility with Sciex mass spectrometer software, individual module design for flexibility and repairs, and high operational standards, such as pressure capabilities up to 1300 bar and flow rates of 5 ml/min. It also mandates new manufacturing, comprehensive manuals, a warranty, and service coverage for at least 12 months post-installation. Delivery is required within 60 days after contract award, with installation to be performed by US citizens due to facility access protocols. The document emphasizes maintaining high safety standards, operational efficiency, and thorough support for the UHPLC system, aligning with the government’s quality assurance practices in federal procurement processes.