This Pre-solicitation Notice is to announce that the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is proposing to negotiate a contract with PANalytical, Inc. on a sole-source basis, for an annual support plan agreement. The annual support plan agreement covered by this purchase applies to the following equipment: Full service agreement for PANalytical X'Pert Pro MPD X-ray diffractometer, covering the cost of parts (except for consumables) and labor for corrective (unlimited) calls, as well as 2 scheduled preventative maintenance calls. Equipment failure and replacement of a single integrated component of the MPD system, such as the detector (via time and materials purchase), would exceed the cost of the service agreement. The USGS has concluded that this service is unique and only available from PANalytical, Inc. The reasons justifying a sole source acquisition is PANalytical is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the X-ray diffraction system used by this laboratory and purchased in January, 2007 (SN DT2598). PANalytical offers unique qualifications, which are essential in the following areas: 1) PANalytical is the authorized North American service provider for PANalytical Instruments; 2) They are able to provide authorized, manufacturer-trained service personnel in a timely fashion; 3) They are the sole source of a proprietary solid-state linear detector [Real Time Multiple Strip (RTM) technology] capable of simultaneously covering an angular range of at least 2 degrees 2 theta. Beyond qualitative analysis, the MPD provides automated quantitative component measures to deliver a uniquely powerful analytical tool for basic and applied research fundamental to the geologic disciplines; 4) PANalytical can often and exclusively provide a loaner component if it becomes necessary to repair a component from the system; and 5) a service agreement guarantees expedited response for repairs, include 4 option years. In order to be responsive to this Notice, a firm must provide the appropriate capability statement for consideration no later than 10 days after the date of this notice. Responses that do not comply with these procedures will not be considered. Requests for information and subsequent responses may be emailed or mailed to the point-of-contact specified below. Firms are cautioned that this is not a solicitation. All costs associated with providing information as requested by this Notice shall be the responsibility of the responding firm. No further notices regarding this acquisition will be posted prior to award. Camille Metherd, Contracting officer [email protected]

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