The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of FAR 13/6.302. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals.  This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals.  However, all proposals received within 5 days (five days if award is issued under an existing basic ordering agreement) after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the government.  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. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

The USDA, Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Plant Physiology & Genetics Research Unit in Maricopa, Arizona has a requirement for thermocouple psychrometers and sample and calibration chambers for its existing and ongoing research.  In order to screen multiple genotypes of cereal grain germplasm for heat tolerance, a need for thermocouple psychrometers and corresponding sampling chambers.  This equipment will be used to measure leaf water and osmotic potentials to quantify the expression of a cereal grain genotype's degree of heat tolerance.  Pre-existing inventory of thermocouple psychrometers and corresponding sampling chambers is of a specific type manufactured by J.R.D. Merrill Speciality Equipment and application is required to maintain continuity of ongoing data research and instrument compatibility.  The USDA, Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Plant Physiology & Genetics Research Unit intends to issue a sole source firm fixed-price award to J.R.D. Merrill Specialty.

Part#83-1.5VC - Quantity 200

Part#81-500 - Quantity 50