The U.S. EPA's National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory is in need of a Thermo Scientific Sorvall Legend XFR Refrigerated Centrifuge. The use of animals for detection of toxic chemicals in the environment is required in EPA/RTP research. During terminal animal studies, animals are euthanized and blood is collected in 10 mL tubes. After this collection, the tubes are spun in a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the blood serum. This serum is then analyzed for a host of hormonal activity to determine the effect varying toxic compounds have on these hormones. Recently, the centrifuge used by EPA scientists (Marathon 10K/R) to spin the blood collected from its animal studies stopped working, and was deemed obsolete by Thermo Fisher (formerly Fisher Scientific). The Sorvall Legend XFR is considered a replacement of the Marathon, while still providing the necessary historical consistency with the past 22 years of studies in which the Ma rathon was used. This historical consistency is essential due to the fact that one of the EPA's laboratory's research objectives is to include previous studies in the new models for determining the toxicity of mixtures. Failure to match historical data would be a detriment to future projects, as EPA scientists would no longer be able to compare results from the new centrifuge to the results once produced by the Marathon 10K/R. The Sorvall Legend XFR is the only machine that is capable of matching the specifications of the Marathon 10K/R. Although other models of centrifuges may have some of the individual capabilities listed below, the Sorvall Legend XFR is the only model that has the ability to match all of these specifications: The centrifuge must offer at least 8 swing-out rotor configurations and various angle rotors to meet current and future sample processing needs of the lab. The centrifuge must have a sealed swingout rotor capable of spinning samples above 7000 x g. The centrifuge must be able to display set parameters together with actual values. The centrifuge must have a minimum of 5 "direct recall" program keys, and a capability for up to 99 programs. The centrifuge must have an option for automatic lid opening at the end of the run. The centrifuge must have capability of password protection for the programs. The centrifuge must have capability of password protection for lid opening. The centrifuge must be capable of running up to 196 x 5 ml or 7 ml blood collection tubes and 144 x 10 ml blood collection tubes in certified sealed conditions. The centrifuge must be able to display both air/chamber temperature as well as temperature in the sample. The centrifuge should have advanced imbalance technology that adapts for specific rotors. The centrifuge must be capable of maintaining the historical consistency of the past 22 years of studies in which the Marathon was used. The circumstance permitting Other than Full and Op en Competition is FAR 6.302-1 Sole Source, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or service will satisfy agency requirements. All interested parties who believe they can provide the required product should fully explain their capabilities and qualifications in writing within 7 days from the date of this announcement. The intent of this synopsis is to state the Government's intention to sole source this acquisition to Fisher Scientific. Therefore, no solicitation (RFQ) is available. Consequently, any response(s) failing to provide the aforementioned data but instead choosing merely to submit a routine letter requesting a copy of the RFQ will not be honored. Offerors must submit all technical questions / responses concerning this synopsis electronically through FedConnect. Notices of any modifications to this FBO procurement announcement, including Requests for Proposals and amendments, will be posted using the FedConnect web portal. FedConnect can be access ed at https://www.fedconnect.net/Fedconnect/ . Questions regarding the content of the subject announcement must be submitted through the FedConnect portal. You must register with FedConnect as an interested party to submit questions and to view responses. FedConnect is a web portal that connects agencies and vendors to streamline the process of doing business with the federal government. Through FedConnect contractors will be able to receive, review and respond to contract pre- and post-award actions and documents such as correspondence, request for proposals, tasking instruments and contract modifications. The use of FedConnect also furthers the EPA's commitment to moving towards a paperless acquisition environment by reducing its carbon footprint and conducting its business in an ecologically friendly manner. There is no charge to use FedConnect. Vendors can register with FedConnect at www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/. For assistance in registering or for other FedConne ct technical questions please call the FedConnect Help Desk at (800) 899-6665 or email at [email protected]. In addition, all vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), as this facilitates registration for FedConnect. Please note that vendors MUST have their SAM profile set to "public," otherwise FedConnect will not be able to access the SAM information required to validate vendor credentials. Registration may be completed and information regarding the registration process may be obtained at http://www.sam.gov . There is no charge for registration in SAM. Questions may be directed to the Contract Specialist, Louis Williams, via email at [email protected] .

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