This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for a commercial item 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; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number RFQ-033-4384-02 is issued as a request for quotations and incorporates provisions and clauses that are in effect through FAC 01-07. Procurement will be on an unrestricted basis. The NAICS code applicable to this acquisition is 334516. USDA, ARS has a requirement for a flow cytometer to rapidly determine ploidy levels of individual plants. This instrument must be capable of ploidy analysis of plant cells. Ploidy analysis includes both polyploids and aneuploids. Delivery is required within 8 weeks of award. The government anticipates award of a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforms to the specification and is most advantageous to the Government. PAYMENT: Any award made under this solicitation is subject to 31 CFR Part 208 which requires all payments made by the government to be made by electronic funds transfer. Vendors may meet this requirement by acceptance of government purchase card or providing a Vendor Express Number. If a company has not previously enrolled in the Vendor Express Program with USDA, they should contact the National Finance Center at 1-800-421-0323 for an enrollment package. All offers must include with their quotation a completed copy of FAR 52.212-3 and 52.225-2. The following FAR clauses apply: Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, 52.204-6; Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items, 52.212-1; Evaluation of Commercial Items awarded to a responsive/responsible offeror at a fair and reasonable price, 52.212-2; Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, 52-212-3; Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, 52.212-4. The following FAR clauses cited in 52.212-5 are applicable to this acquisition: 52.203-6, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222-37, 52.225-1, 52.225-3, 52.225-13, 52.225-9, 52.225-18, 52.225-21, 52.247-64. All interested/qualified sources who can provide the instrument stated above must respond by 4:30 PM EDT, August 27, 2002. Quotations should be addressed to USDA Agricultural Research Service, 950 College Station Rd, Athens, GA 30605-2720 (or POB 5677, Athens, GA 30604-5677). POC Elaine Wood, Contract Specialist, 706/546-3534 or fax 706/546-3444. Faxed responses are acceptable.

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