Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) Repair - RFQ

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) Repair services, identified by solicitation number 1232SA26Q0339. The government anticipates awarding a single firm-fixed-price contract for these services.

• The "Statement of Requirement" (Attachment 2) provides an overview of all requirements.

• "Attachment 4 - Quote Submission Form" details the schedule of items for pricing.

• Offerors must provide a detailed explanation of their ability to perform the required services, addressing how they will accomplish each SOW requirement.

• Any requirements that cannot be successfully accomplished must be explained; exceptions may lead to technical unacceptability.

• The USDA requires completion of all items within 120 days of award, though early completion is accepted.

• Service will be performed at the USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center (WRRC) in Albany, CA.

• The contract type is anticipated to be firm-fixed-price.

• The period of performance is within 120 days of award.

• Quotations must be submitted electronically via email to the Contracting Officer/Contract Specialist/Purchasing Agent in Adobe PDF format.

• A completed "Attachment 4 - Quote Submission Form" is required, including pricing for all items.

• Offerors must acknowledge any solicitation amendments.

• Active registration at SAM.gov is required at the time of quote submission.

• Supporting documentation demonstrating how services will meet or exceed requirements is necessary.

• Quotations must be prepared in accordance with the instructions provided; failure to do so may result in exclusion.

• Offerors agree to hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• Questions are due via email no later than 72 hours prior to the close date.

• Evaluation will be based on a best-value tradeoff approach, considering Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price, in descending order of importance.

• Price is less important than non-price factors.

• Offerors, or the product/service, are not required to meet a qualification requirement to be eligible for award.

• A Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (52.219-4) is applicable.

• This solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses by reference, including those related to System for Award Management (SAM), Anti-Discrimination and DEI Compliance, Service Contract Labor Standards, and Buy American Supplies.

• The provision at FAR 52.212-2 is not applicable; evaluation is in accordance with FAR 12.203.

• Information on filing agency protests is provided, including contact information for the USDA Ombudsman Program.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the requirements for the repair and preventative maintenance of a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) - FEI Tecnai 12, SN D328.

• Provide and replace a CCD DAB board.

• Provide and replace a burned-out LaB6 filament.

• Provide a 5v Power Supply.

• Ensure a smooth startup after shutting down.

• Verify Pirani gauge reliability (clean or replace).

• Reposition water rack for improved access to the TEM's back.

• Reattach covers on the back of the TEM.

• Ensure communication between the computer and the TEM.

• Perform preventative maintenance, including:

  • Changing oil in the diffusion pump.
  • Changing oil in the rotary pump.
  • Cleaning the TEM column of debris, dust, and oil.
  • Checking Pirani Gauge function (clean/replace as needed).
  • Aligning the electron beam.
  • Aligning the column.
  • Cleaning/replacing apertures.
  • Aligning apertures.
  • Ensuring proper camera function.
  • Checking resolution.

• Provide 30 days of phone consultation after work completion to ensure proper functioning.

• All work to be completed within 90 days after award acceptance.

• Total period of performance, including 30 days of phone consultation, is 120 days.

• Service Location: USDA-ARS WRRC, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, ROOM 0105.

• Contact person to be determined at award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Register of Wage Determinations under the Service Contract Act, issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations in specific geographic areas. For this opportunity, it specifies rates for California Counties of Alameda and Contra Costa.

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders related to paid sick leave and minimum wage adjustments for federal contractors.
• Details requirements for vacation and paid holidays.
• Outlines the process for conforming additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing the contract. It ensures that all covered employees are paid at least the specified minimum wage rates and receive the required fringe benefits, which directly impacts proposal pricing and overall cost management.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Quote Submission Form" for Solicitation Number 1232SA26Q0339, "Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) Repair - RFQ". It is designed for vendors to provide their pricing and company information in response to the Request for Quotation (RFQ).

• Company Information: Requires confirmation of SAM registration, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Company Legal Name, Doing Business As (if applicable), SAM registered address, and CAGE Code(s).
• Socio-economic Status: Vendors must self-certify their status for NAICS code 811210, including options for Small Business Concern, SBA-certified 8(a) Program Participant, Veteran Owned, Woman-Owned, Other Than Small Business Concern, Disadvantaged, SBA-certified HUB Zone Business, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned, and Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned.
• Quote Details: Includes fields for Quote Number, Quote Date, and Quote Expiration Date.
• Line Items: A table lists 12 specific items/services related to TEM repair and maintenance, requiring vendors to insert Unit Price and calculate Total Amount for each. All line items must be priced.
• Total Quoted Price: The sum of all Line-Item Total Amounts.
• Time to Complete: Vendors must indicate the estimated time to complete the work.
• Certification: A statement confirming the accuracy of the submission and acknowledging that incomplete or unsigned submissions may not be considered.

This form is essential for any vendor wishing to submit a quote for the TEM Repair RFQ. Bidders must accurately complete all sections, including company registration details, socio-economic status, pricing for each line item, and the overall time to complete the work. Failure to complete the form correctly may disqualify the bid.