This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation No. 5114-6-0007 is being issued as a Request for Quotes (RFQ). This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-09. The NAICS code applicable to this acquisition is 334516. This is being fully set-aside for small business. For a company to qualify as a small business, the small business standard is 500 employees. The USDA, ARS, MWA, US Dairy Forage Research Center, Madison, WI 53706, has a requirement/need for Photoacoustic Multigas Monitor with windows, "Brand Name or Equal" to INNOVA Model 1412 including standard accessories. This photoacoustic multigas monitor will be used to expand current measurements to include methane, total VOCs, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and other gases that can impair air quality. Listed are the items and quantities required: CLIN 01 - Photoacoustic multigas monitor (1 unit). CLIN 02 - filters, including nh3, ch4, voc, co2, n20 (1 unit). CLIN 03 - nafion humidifier (1 unit). CLIN 04 - span gas calibration charge (1 unit). CLIN 05 - USB to serial adaptor (1 unit). CLIN 06 - CBISS 8 point sample sequencer (1 unit). CLIN 07 - Pump pak II w/SS head and tephon diaphragm (1 unit) and CLIN 08 - 1-10V output cards (2 units). THE SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS: the Photoacoustic Multigas Monitor must meet or exceed these minimum requirements: (1) Dual microphones for enhanced stability and sensitivity. (2) Uses photocaustic infra-red detection methodology. (3) Holds up to 5 filters for component gases and water vapor. (4) Can be operated via a PC or via the front-panel push-buttons. (5) Detection limit of 0.06 ppm for N2O. (6) Detection limit of 20-80 ppm for CH4. (7) Detection limit of 0-80 ppm for NH3. (8) Detection limit of 0-3 ppm for ethanol. (9) Detection limit of 0-3 ppm for methanol. (10) Detection limit of 2-5 percent for CO2. (11) Software enables user to calibrate the monitor and load user-defined measurement setups prior to monitoring. During a monitoring task, real-time measurement data is presented on screen as both graphs and tables, and the data is stored in named databases. Software must have post-acquisition capabilities. (12) Must compensate for the effects of water vapor on a real-time bases. (13) Must be able to collect samples from points up to 50 meters away. (14) Uses Open Data Bases Connectivity enabling data to be used in other programs. (15) Optional multipoint sampler must be available. (16) Must be able to upgrade to different gases as needs change. (17) Must be a standalone portable unit for in-field measurements. (18) Must have internal data storage which then can be downloaded to a PC using supplied software. (19) User defined alarms must be present and software controlled.(20) Training. (21) Installation. (22) Vendor must be ISO 9000 certified. DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE: Offerors shall submit 2 copies of the Descriptive Literature describing their proposed equipment in enough detail to ascertain whether the equipment meets the criteria listed above. REJECTION OF QUOTE: Failure to demonstrate compliance will be cause to reject the quote without further discussions. All responsible sources may submit an offer which will be considered. The following provisions and clauses apply to this acquisition and can be found in full text at http://www.acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html. FAR 52.252-1, Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference are as follows: FAR 52.211-6, Brand Name or Equal; FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications Commercial Items (Provide with Quote); FAR 52.214-21, Descriptive Literature (Provide with Quote); FAR 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration (All Offerors must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) Database in order to receive an award. The website address for registration is: http://www.ccr.gov; and FAR 52.222-22, Previous Compliance Report. FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference, FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items apply to this acquisition. The following FAR clauses cited in 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items are applicable to this acquisition: FAR 52.222-3, Convict Labor (E.O. 11755); FAR 52.222-19, Child Labor; 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity; 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans; 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities; 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans; 52.225-13, Restriction on Certain Foreign Purchases; 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer -Central Contractor Registration (31 U.S.C. 3332); 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (31 U.S.C. 3332) and FAR 52.233, Protest After Award. The above FAR clauses may be viewed at http://www.acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html. SHIPPING: FOB Destination. DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED IN QUOTE: In order to be considered for award Offerors shall provide 1) a Quote on company letterhead detailing the item description, and unit price per CLIN and total price; 2) descriptive literature, brochures, information on service and support; 3) at least 3 to 5 references for the proposed equipment. References must have received the proposed equipment within the last three (3) calendar years (Government references preferred but will accept commercial references). References shall be provided for the product proposed and if possible include the email address of the person to be contacted; and 4) Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provisions FAR 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS, with this offer; a copy of this provision may be obtained at http://www.acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html. DELIVERY TO: USDA-ARS, Madison, WI. QUOTE PRICE MUST INCLUDE any freight or shipping, as well as any applicable duties, brokerage, or customs fees. DELIVERY DATE DUE: The Government requires delivery on or before 90 days after award, however, each offeror shall include their proposed delivery schedule as part of their quote. FAR 52.212.-2 EVALUATION - COMMERCIAL ITEM, the significant evaluation factors, in the relative order of importance, are (i) technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement including delivery date; (ii) past performance; and (iii) price (based on F.O.B. Destination), technical and past performance are more important than price. Award will be made based on overall BEST VALUE to the Government. EVALUATION & AWARD FACTORS - The contract resulting from this solicitation will be awarded to the responsible party whose offer, conforming to the solicitation, is determined most advantageous to the government, cost, and other factors considered. Each Quote shall respond to each of the evaluation factors identified below. With the exception of past performance, a technical evaluation will be performed on each quote based solely on the information furnished and not on previous knowledge or associations. The evaluation factors are as follows: (1) Technical Evaluation Factors: A) All quotes will be rated against the salient characteristics and minimum requirements. B) Service/Support - Please include with descriptive literature detailed information as this is a critical part of the evaluation factors. C) Delivery/Installation. D) Training. E) Warranty. The Offeror shall extend to the Government the full coverage of any standard commercial warranty normally offered in a similar commercial sale, provided such warranty is available at no additional cost to the Government. Acceptance of the standard commercial warranty does not waive the Government's rights under the Inspection clause nor does it limit the Government's right with regard to the other terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of a conflict, the terms and conditions of the contract shall take precedence over the standard commercial warranty. The contractor shall provide a copy of its standard commercial warranty (if applicable) with this response. Any amendment and documents related to this procurement will be available electronically at the Internet site: http://www.fbo.gov. Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of those documents related to this procurement, if any. Furnish Quotes to Georgetta Stonewall, Contracting Officer, USDA, ARS, MWA, Contracting Office, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604, no later than 2:00 p.m., May 10, 2006. Quotes and other requested documents may be provided by facsimile to (309) 681-6683 if desired. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Contracting Officer at (309) 681-6624 or email below.

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