This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is 43-32NT-4-003 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). This solicitation is unrestricted. This solicitation incorporated provisions and clauses that are in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2001-24(b). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 62151, with a small business standard of 11.5 million. This product shall be delivered within 60 days after award. Shipped F.O.B destination with inside delivery to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705. The Government intends to award on a sole source basis to BD BioSciences Immunocytometry Systems, 2350 Qume Drive, San Jose, CA 95131. Telephone number 1-877-232-8995. This procurement is for the following items. Minimum specifications include: 336574-BD FACSLoader FACSCalibur, 348466-BD FACSFlow Supply System, 336462-BD FACStation-Hard/Software Upgrades, 337004-FACStation Module in the quantity of 1 each. All of the above items will be awarded pending the availability of funds for Fiscal Year 2004. This solicitation incorporates the following FAR clauses, provisions, and addendums: 52.212-1 Instruction to Offerors—Commercial items: 52-212-2 Evaluation –Commercial Items; 52-212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items 52-212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions, Commercial Items 52-212-5; 52-232-18 Availability of Funds (APRIL 1984) and 52-247-34 F.O.B. Destination. In paragraph (b), 52-212-5,the following apply: 52-222-21, 52-222-26, 52-222-35, 52.222-36, 52-222-37, 52-232-34, 52.225-3, 52-225-13, 52.225-15, 52.222-70 COMPLIANCE WITH VETERANS EMPLOYMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (JAN 1999) (DEVIATION) (USDA). (a) The offeror represents that if it is subject to the reporting requirements of 38 U.S.C. 4212(d) (i.e., the VETS-100 report required by FAR clause 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era), it has ( ), has not ( ), submitted the most recent report required by 38 USC 4212(d), (b). An offeror who checks “has not” may not be awarded a contract until the required report is filed. CONTRACT PAYMENTS MANDATORY INFORMATION FOR ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER) Electronic Funds Transfer compliance with 31 CFR 208. To facilitate EFT for contract payments requires the submission of information by the contractor to the payment office. Upon award, the contractor shall contact the Miscellaneous Payments Section at the National Finance Center (NFC) to initiate the enrollment process of the Vendor Express Program (VXP), which will result in a number being assigned to the contractor for payment under EFT. NFC can be reached at 1-800-421-0323 or at www.nfc.usda.gov . All offers must include completed copies of 52-212-3 (Representations and Certifications) and 52-222-70 (Compliance with Veterans employment Reporting Requirements). Fax quotations are acceptable to Veena Singh at (301) 504-5235 on or before August 24, 2004 at 4:00 p.m. (EST). Quotations shall include specifications and other such information corresponding to the requirements which demonstrates the capabilities of the equipment for meeting the requirements. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers (1) technical capability of the items offered to meet the Government requirement; ((II) price and delivery time. All responsible source may submit a quotation which shall be considered by the agency. Anticipated award date is September 30, 2004.

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