Intent to Sole Source to Thermo Fisher Scientific for Specialized Scientific Equipment (KingFisher Apex)

Introduction:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Western

Acquisition Division intends to negotiate, on a sole-source basis, under the

authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Thermo Fisher Scientific,

Inc./Life Science Technologies. This sole-source determination is based on

NOAA's requirement that Thermo Fisher Scientific dba Life Science Technologies. is the

sole entity capable of meeting the specified requirements and objectives.

Description:

Thermo Fisher Scientific Chemicals, Inc./Life Science Technologies is the

only provider uniquely qualified to supply the Thermo Scientific KingFisher

Apex purification system, which is required by the Genetics & Evolution

Program within the Conservation Biology Division at the Northwest

Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC). The KingFisher Apex is essential for the

program's advanced genetic and genomic research supporting marine

species conservation in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. This

system must be compatible with existing protocols, prevent cross-sample

contamination, and include a warranty and service contract. The

KingFisher Apex is a programmable, magnetic bead-based purification

system with customizable protocols, capable of processing up to 96

samples per run. It also includes integrated heating/cooling features,

flexible software, and multiple magnetic head options.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Chemicals, Inc. is the original equipment

manufacturer (OEM) of the KingFisher Apex system and holds exclusive

access to the proprietary components, software, and technical support

required for the effective operation and servicing of the system. Given the

scientific specificity and importance of the KingFisher Apex for ongoing

and Inflation Reduction Act-funded projects, no other vendor can meet

NOAA’s critical requirements without risking delays or compromising

research quality.

Objective:

This notice of intent is NOT a request for competitive proposals, however, firms that believe they can fully

meet the government's requirements may submit supporting documentation in writing to the identified point of contact (below) within the allotted timeframe after publication. Such documentation will be

evaluated solely to determine whether to conduct this procurement on a

competitive basis. A determination by the government not to conduct a

competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely

within the government's discretion. Oral communications are NOT

acceptable in response to this notice.

Correspondence sent via email must contain a subject line that includes

"143041-25-0009." To ensure receipt, attachments must be less than 20 MB

in total. It is the vendor's responsibility to confirm receipt with the

government before the due date and time. Capability statements should be

submitted by email ONLY as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachment to:

Sandra Caswell

Email: sandra.caswell@noaa.gov