The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Pest Management and Biocontrol Research unit has a requirement for a Synergy H4 Hybrid Microplate Reader.  The Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit mission is to develop unique and improved biological, behavioral, cultural, and genetic based methods to reduce losses by insects and mites affecting crops in arid land production areas of the U.S. The goals are economically, socially and environmentally acceptable pest population suppression technologies based on the use of behavioral chemicals, genetics, cultural practices, biological control, sampling and decision aids, modeling and population dynamics of pests and their natural enemies. Emphasis is placed on development of fully integrated, ecologically-based management strategies in a changing agricultural environment that includes recognition of the agriculture-urban interface.

A solicitation is not available for this requirement.

The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of FAR 13. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.  USDA-ARS intends to negotiate with the only known source, Bio-Tek.  The flexibility and performance of the Synergy H4 Hybrid Microplate Reader will best serve the requirement of ALARC.  The system includes Synergy H4, Gen5 operating system, installation and training, upgraded field warranty, and multi-volume plate.