Opportunity: Maint. Service Agreement for Aperio Scanscope AT2

Notice of Government's Intent to Sole Source The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, with Leica Microsystems Inc., 1700 Leider Lane, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, to provide a Maintenance Service Agreement (MSA) for the Aperio Scanscope AT2 (s/n 7178) assigned to the EPA laboratory at Research Triangle Park, NC. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy all agency requirements. The instrument operates using 3 main components: a hardware scanner with PC controller that performs the physical slide scanning; a data repository maintained outside of the lab, and a comprehensive software environment that is used to both operate the scanner, maintain the database and perform analysis on collected images. This software is proprietary and only accessible by the vendor, in addition its complete integration with the hardware and database place maintenance or repair of those items within the domain of the vendor as well. This service agreement provides: 1. Service and support for ScanScope AT2 (Extended 5 Day Hardware Service). Includes: OEM Replacement Parts Controller Software and Firmware Updates Telephone Support On-Site Services On-Site Services Response Times - 5 Business Days On-Site Preventive Maintenance Visit - 1 per year 2. Software Maintenance for ScanScope® XT / AT Device License 3. Software Maintenance for Whole Cell Quantification 4. Software Maintenance for Area Cell Quantification 5. Online software service via Webex. Only Leica Microsystems Inc. can provide the Maintenance Agreement items as stated above. Therefore, the Government intends to process service contract through Leica Microsystems Inc. without full and open competition. The circumstance permitting is FAR 6.302-1 "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements". All interested parties who believe they can provide the required services should fully explain their capabilities and qualifications in writing within 7 days from the date of this announcement and provide itemized pricing that is sufficient to make a determination that competition is feasible. The intent of this notice is to determine if any other source(s) exist, and therefore, no solicitation is available. Consequently, anyone failing to provide the aforementioned and instead chooses to merely submit a routine letter requesting a copy of the statement of work or more information about the project will be ignored. The information received to this notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement. Please submit response ONLY to Sammie Jones at jones.sammie@epa.gov. No telephone or faxed requests will be honored.