This a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with FAR Subpart 12.6 . This announcement is the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is RFQ-008-43YK-04 is issued as a request for quotations and incorporate provisions and clauses that are in effect through FAC 97-25. The USDA-ARS in Athens, GA has a requirement to purchase a Autostainer system with a computer. This system must meet the following specifications: 1) Automated staining system to perform immunohistochemistry (IHC) 2) a capacity of 36 slides or more and high programming versatility. 3) A flexible open system that allows the use of reagents from different vendors 4) Does not use disposable tips 5) Easy programming through a computer with printable reports 6) Separation of hazardous and no-hazardous waste. Descriptive literature showing the quoted items meets or exceeds all specifications included herein must accompany the quotation. The government anticipates award of a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsive/responsible offeror whose offer conforms to the solicitation and is most price advantageous to the government. PAYMENT: Any award made under this solicitation is subject to 31 CFR Part 208 which requires all payments made by the government to be made by electronic funds transfer. Vendors may meet this requirement by acceptance of government purchase card or providing a Vendor Express Number. If a company has not previously enrolled in the Vendor Express Program with USDA, they should call the National Finance Center at 1-800-421-0323 for an enrollment package. All offers must include with their quotation a completed copy of FAR 52.212-3 and a statement that the VETS-100 report as required by FAR 52.222-37 has been filed. The following clauses apply Instruction to Offerors-Commercial Items, 52.212-2, Evaluation of Commercial Items awarded to a responsive/responsible offeror at a fair and reasonable price, 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items; 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items. The following FAR clauses cited in 52.212-5 are applicable to this acquisition: 52.203-6, 52.203-10, 52.204-7, 52.219-8, 52.222-26, 52.222-37, 52.225-3, 52.225-9, 52-225-18, 52.225-21, 52.247-64. All interested/qualified sources who can provide the items above must respond by 5:00 p.m., June 11, 2004. Quotations should be addressed to USDA, Agricultural Research Service, 950 College Station Rd., Athens, GA 30605. POC Kelly Bero, Purchasing Agent, 706/546-3025 or fax 706/546-3402. Faxed responses are acceptable. This procurement is to be processed using Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

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