Opportunity: Upgrades to two Lachat FIA Systems

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), National Risk Management Laboratory (NRMRL), Groundwater, Watershed and Ecosystem Restoration Division (GWERD), located in Ada, Oklahoma has a requirement to upgrade two (2) Lachat QuickChem 8000 Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) instruments. The EPA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(i), with Hach Company for these upgrades. The two (2) Lachat QuickChem 8000 Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) instruments are currently installed at the Environmental Protection Agency¿s GWERD Facility in Ada, OK. The instruments are used in ongoing research to analyze specific parameters (in-line) total phosphorous, total nitrogen, ortho phosphate, iodine, bromide and alkalinity. EPA requires Hach Company to upgrade the instruments to a Lachat QuickChem 8500 Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) instrument due to inoperable channels that are no longer supported or replaceable by Hach. The EPA has identified Hach Company as the only known source able to satisfy the Government¿s requirement because the Lachat QuikChem 8000 systems are manufactured by Hach Company and they are the sole manufacturer for Lachat instrumentation as well as the sole distributor and supplier of all associated accessories, parts and reagents. In addition, Hach Company does not subcontract with any other company to manufacture this system, or any of the major components and no other company has detailed knowledge of the proprietary materials and techniques employed in manufacturing this system. This procurement will be accomplished under FAR Part 12 Commercial Procedures and FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. It is our intent to award a single firm fixed price purchase order for the upgrades. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. Interested firms may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirements. Any firm that believes it is capable of meeting EPA¿s requirement as set forth above may submit a response which, if received within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of this announcement, will be reviewed for consideration. Submission of your capability statement with technical information describing your ability to meet the Government¿s need shall be submitted via email to Renae Cochran, Contract Specialist, cochran.renae@epa.gov. Telephone requests will not be honored. A determination not to compete the described requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.