Notice of Intent: The USDA, ARS, WBSC intends to award a sole source procurement to Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems, 2395 Apopka Blvd., Apopka, FL, 32703, USA, for a VAKI Nano Fish Counter as they are the sole source for this type of fry size fish counter, pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C.253(c)(l ) and FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. The award will be for 1 (one), VAKI Nano Fish Counter capable of counting very small (as small as 0.05gram) size catfish. The counter will be used in research to accurately count fry-size catfish while they remain in water as they are being stocked into different research studies. This is expansion and continuation of on-going genetics and breeding research in this project area. The counter must be of the general design which allows for very small (fry) size fish to be counted with equal to or greater than 99% accuracy while they remain in water. Although there are other designs of fish counters, to our knowledge there are none that can count this size (0.05 gram) fry with this degree of accuracy, and because of current animal welfare protocols that USDA must adhere to, do so as quickly (up to 200,000 fish per hour) while the fish remain in water.

The Government intends to award a firm fixed price Purchase Order on or about July 26, 2018 using Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This Notice of Intent is not considered a Request for Quotation (RFQ) nor is it a Request for Proposals (RFP). No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be honored. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government will consider all responses received by 2:00 PM Central Time July 25, 2018 Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquiries will only be accepted via mail to the Contracting Officer at the following address:

Contracting Office Address:

Shalunda Mix (CO)
USDA-ARS-WBSC
PO Box 225
141 Experiment Station Road
Stoneville, MS 38776-0225
[email protected]

Bid Protests Not Available