This is a Sources Sought Notice ONLY. The USDA-ARS currently intends to award a contract for Analysis of Grape Samples for Targeted Metabolomics on a SOLE SOURCE basis but is seeking vendors that may be able to provide similar services with the same technical specifications. The proposed sole source firm fixed price contract is to Metware Biotechnology.

The proposed vendor, Metware Biotechnology, is known for its specialized expertise in metabolomic studies with crop plants.  They possess a comprehensive database of over 30,000 purified chemical standards across various metabolite classes, ensuring that the customer receives an extensive list of metabolites {1,000 to 2,000 metabolites per sample) for the grape samples. In addition, this particular vendor is needed for continuity of research, since previous samples for this study were analyzed by Metware Biotechnology.

The result of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement, if a requirement materializes. Based on the responses to this Sources Sought notice/market research, this requirement may be set-aside for small businesses or procured through full and open unrestricted competition. All small business set-aside categories will be considered. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding submissions.

DISCLAIMER

THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.  This notice does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ)/Invitation for Bid (IFB)/Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFQ, IFB or RFP in the future. This notice does not commit the USDA to contract for any supply or service. Further, the U.S. Government is not seeking quotes, bids or proposals at this time and will not accept unsolicited proposals in response to this Sources Sought notice. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. Submittals will not be returned to the responder. A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. However, if a competitive solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Governmentwide Point of Entry. It is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor the Governmentwide Point of Entry for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

In response to this sources sought, please provide:

1. Name of the firm, point of contact, phone number, email address, SAM UEI number, CAGE code, identify business size (large business or a small business), and if applicable, a statement regarding small business status (including small business type(s)/certifications(s) such as SDB, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, etc.) and the corresponding NAICS code;
2. Tailored capability statements addressing the requirements of this notice, with appropriate documentation supporting claims of organizational and staff capability;
3. Identify any condition or action that may be having the effect of unnecessarily restricting competition with respect to this acquisition and identify alternatives or solution solutions. Provide the specific aspects that unreasonably restrict competition and the rationale for such conclusion;
4. Any other information considered relevant to this requirement; and
5. The government requests that no proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in the response.

Any vendor responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine their qualifications to perform the work.  Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted.  After review of the responses received, a combined synopsis/solicitation may be published on sam.gov depending on the responses received.

All responses to this Sources Sought Notice must be received by the notice’s POC by the deadline to be considered. Responses may not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Inquiry. Do not submit pricing information in response to this notice.