Contracting Officer: Karen S. Beaty, Point of Contact: Karen S. Beaty (727) 398-9333. The VA Medical Center, Bay Pines, Florida intends to negotiate sole source with Ventana Medical Systems for a Cost per Test contract on the Ventana NexES Special Stainer and Benchmark Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and In Situ Hybridization (ISH) Staining System for VISN 8 VA Medical Centers. The proposed contract action covers the laboratory instrument system, reagents, stains, hardware/software upgrades, training, equipment maintenance, installation and shipping for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. The contract term is for 12 months with four options of 12 months each. The subject equipment shall remain the property of the contractor throughout the contract term. NAICS code 325413 applies to this procurement. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit quotations. This notice of intent is not a request for proposals. Interested parties that believe they can meet the VA=92s needs must supply information about their capabilities no later than 5:00 PM EST, 11/20/02. All information shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the Government. This award will be made using commercial item acquisition procedures. No solicitation will be made available. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The anticipated award date is 11/27/02. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Telephone or faxed inquiries will not be accepted.=20

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