Notice of Intent to award a sole source purchase order under FAR 13.106-1(b)(2). The United States Department of Agriculture intends to contract with Thermo Fisher North America LLC, on a sole source basis to relocate and set-up a gas chromatograph from the ARS location in Grand Forks, ND to the ARS location in Mandan, ND.

The proposed vendor, Thermo Electron North America LLC, is the only vendor from which the requirement of uninstalling, transporting, reinstalling, and providing training for the TRACE 1310 GC instrument and gas generators can be obtained. This is primarily due to the following reasons:

1. Sole manufacturer and seller: Thermo Electron North America LLC is the original manufacturer and seller of the TRACE 1310 GC instrument. As the sole manufacturer, they have exclusive knowledge and expertise regarding the design, components, and intricacies of this specific instrument model.
2. Adherence to warranty provisions: The TRACE 1310 GC instrument is likely covered by a manufacturers warranty, which may have specific provisions regarding authorized service providers. Engaging Thermo Electron North America LLC as the vendor ensures adherence to these warranty provisions, preventing any potential issues or voiding of the warranty.
3. Proprietary software and hardware: The TRACE 1310 GC instrument utilizes proprietary software and hardware components developed by Thermo Electron North America LLC. Only their engineers and authorized personnel have access to the necessary software licenses, updates, and technical expertise to properly install, configure, and maintain the instruments software and hardware components.
4. Specialized training and authorization: Thermo Electron North America LLCs engineers have received specialized training and authorization to work on the TRACE 1310 GC instrument. They possess the in-depth knowledge and expertise required to ensure proper handling, installation, and training for this specific instrument model.

Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. In doing so, interested sources must submit technical capabilities, pricing, and other information that demonstrates their ability to meet the Governments needs no later than response time provided. Detailed capabilities must be submitted to attached POC. This synopsis is not considered a request for bid/quote/proposal. No solicitation document is available and telephone requests for technical information will not be honored. No contract will be awarded on a basis of offers received in response to this notice, but offers will be used to determine if a comparable source is available and more advantageous to the Government.

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