The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) is the Nation's federal health sciences university and is committed to excellence in military medicine and public health during peace and war. We provide the Nation with health professionals dedicated to career service in the Department of Defense and the United States Public Health Service and with scientists who serve the common good. We serve the uniformed services and the Nation as an outstanding academic health sciences center with a worldwide perspective for education, research, service, and consultation; we are unique in relating these activities to military medicine, disaster medicine, and military medical readiness. USU is located in Bethesda, MD on the grounds of the Naval Support Activity Bethesda.

The mission of the USU is to provide the highest quality education programs in the health sciences to those selected individuals who demonstrate dedication to a health profession career in the Uniformed Services.

Intent to Sole-Source: USU intends to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract to BD Biosciences for one (1) BD FACSymphony A5 system, along with a five year service contract.

Intended Recipient: Becton, Dickinson, and Company DBA BD Biosciences, 2350 Qume Dr, San Jose, CA 95131-1812

Sole Source Justification: USU’s Biomedical Instrumentation Center (BIC) department has a requirement for one (1) BD FACSymphony A5 system, along with a five year contract. BIC needs this instrument to be custom built, and BD Biosciences has been identified as the only vendor that can meet the Government’s needs.

BD Biosciences is the exclusive supplier and manufacturer of the BD Symphony A5 Cell Analyzer. We choose this instrument because it meets the following needs of USU researchers: 1) At least 5 solid state lasers ranging in power from 60mW UV to 1000mW 532nm. 2) Up to 50 parameters for detection (48 colors). 3) Must have a capability to acquire samples from 96-well plates and 5 ml tubes. 4) The software compatible with high parameter cell analyzers and sorters in BIC for ease of transition of existing experimental protocols and minimum operator training.

This is NOT a request for Quotes.

In accordance with 5.207(c)(16)(i), all responsible sources may submit a bid, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency.  Responses to this notice must demonstrate clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government, would not be cost or time prohibitive, and that the interested potential Offeror can supply the BD FACSymphony A5 system, along with a five year service contract. Information received will be considered for the purposes of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred by responding to this notice.

Responses must be received via email at [email protected] by 2:00PM on Monday, August 11, 2020.