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This is a Notice of Intent and is published for informational purposes only. The USDA, ARS, Grape Genetics Research Unit in Geneva, New York intends to award, on a sole source basis, a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) purchase order to Printersys LLC. Blackbird automated imaging systems capable of 50 megapixel imaging with 1-micron resolution for fully focused imaging of leaf topology for 300 1-cm leaf disks per hour, conforming to our precise LED oblique illumination and tray dimensions, operated by our controller software, all of which we custom-developed and optimized with the vendor over the past 4 years' scientific research. Requirements include: several imaging and computer components, ie Nikon Z7+FTZadapter and Laowa25mmf/2.82-5X and Intel NUC8i5BEK; the frame which automates the X-Y-Z movement at optimized precision and speed; Industrial Camera HR51CXGE; and the fully assembled robot. This must be the same as previous units for our research and be operated by the same Blackbird controller software. Since we have 4 existing Blackbird robots that need to be operated consistently and with identical specification for 4 years’ existing data and future data comparison, it is critical that the specifications be identical and should be weighted heavily. We designed with Blackbird Custom Trays and Grids, optimized for our samples and robot dimensions, and need more of those as detailed in the quote. Finally, we require full automation of sample loading, cutting, arraying, and unloading, which will be prototyped, installed, and implemented, to process 10,000 samples per day.

This sole source contracting action is pursuing the sole sourcing as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13 .106-1 (b)(1)(i) only one source reasonably available.

This is a notice of intent and not a request for competitive proposals. No solicitation is available for this requirement. However, all responsible parties may submit their interest and capability to meet the requirements by submitting a capability statement or exception to the intent to purchase on a sole source basis by January 5, 2023, at 2:00 PM EST via email to falcon.albino@usda.gov. A determination by the Government 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.