The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to award, on a sole source basis, a purchase order to Becton Dickerson located in Chicago, Il. The purchase order is for the purpose of purchasing BD Bactec Mgit 960 System with included instrument starter kit and printer group. This instrument is needed to replace the obsolete Bactec 460 instrument currently in use. The 960 instrument will provide automatic readings eliminating the need for manual weekend readings and will eliminate the need for radioactive substrates required for the 460 instrument. The authority for this sole source procurement is FAR part 6.302-1 in that Becton Dickerson is the only known source with the knowledge required to provide this instrument. This is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation is available. Firms that believe they can provide the required services are encouraged to identify themselves and give written notification to the Contracting Officer within 15 days from the publication date of this synopsis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquiries may be sent to Christine Dorsey by e-mail at
[email protected] or by fax at 770-488-2668.