Intent to Sole Source an Annual Service Contract on a TSQ Quantum

This is NOT a request for quote-
USDA, ARS, CPMRU intends to award a sole source purchase order to Thermo Electron North America LLC, 1400 Northpoint Pkwy Suite 50, West Palm Beach, FL 33407-1976 for an annual service contract on a Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum ULTRA LC-MS. The instrument is a complex System and our research requires cross-year comparability. Therefore only the manufacturer can guarantee and certify that the instrument operates within its stated specs and it is the only way we can ensure cross-year comparability. Our market research showed that this vendor is the only one who could service this TSQ Quantum ULTRA LC-MS. Our justification to award is in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.
All inquiries on this action can be submitted in writing via email to juan.gaytan@ars.usda.gov NO LATER THAN 17 SEP 2018 @ 8:00AM EST. All information shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the Government.