Chief, A&MM Service (90C), Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1 Freedom Way, Augusta, GA 30904-6285

J -- PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AND EMERGENCY SERVICE ON PICKER MRI SOL RFP 509-18-99 DUE 092398 POC Faye S. Thomas, 706-731-7176 Under Statutory Authority 41 U.S.C. 253(c), the VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, intends to negotiate a commercial (FAR Part 12) sole source contract with Picker International, Inc., for the maintenance of the Picker MRI. The above authoriy is cited and justification is made based on the replacement of the Augusta MRI system, excluding the magnet, by Picker International, Inc., within the next 6 months. The new system will then be picked up under warranty by Picker. It is determined to be in the best interest of the Government to negotiate a maintenance contract with Picker International as the servicing of the system with the magnet is so interrelated it would be difficult to define responsibilities for two separate contractors. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals; however, all interest received on or before September 25, 1998, will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement for competition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Inquiries will be accepted by fax at (706) 731-7172. Posted 08/27/98 (W-SN242568). (0239)

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