Department of Veterans Affairs, AFMLOV/VA Special Services, Contracting Officer, 1423 Sultan Street, Suite 200, Frederick, MD 21702-5006

66 -- DNA SEQUENCING SYSTEM UPGRADE SOL RFQ-797-FDF2-99-0007 DUE 122898 POC Monica J. Pileggi, 301-619-4070 This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) sub part 12.6., as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. The Air Force Medical Logistics Office/Veterans Affairs Special Services intends to negotiate on a sole source basis a purchase order to Visible Genetics, Inc. for an upgrade of a MicroGene Blaster Automated DNA Sequencer to a MicroGene Clipper Automated DNA Sequencer (quantity of 1); MicroGene Clipper 2 dye Automated DNA Sequencer (quantity of 2), #VG 10216; Trade-in of MicroGene Blaster Automated DNA Sequencer (quantity of 2), # VG 10216 U/G; Upgrade to GeneObjects 3.0 (quantity of 1), #VG 20012); Upgrade to the OpenStep Operating System v. 4.2 (quantity of 1), #VG 20011; Hewlett Packard 32MB Ram upgrade kit (quantity of 1), #VG 60042; OpenGene System II Manual for MicroGene Clipper (quantity of 1), #GI 00150. The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This is an upgrade (and trade-in) to existing equipment. Because this is a brand name requirement, the Government believes Visible Genetics, Inc. is the only vendor that can satisfy the agency requirements described above. A J&A for Other than Full and Open Competition has been prepared in support of this acquisition. Delivery and upgrade of the system shall occur not later than 15 January 1999. No solicitation is available. The following FAR clauses are added by reference: FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offeror -- Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certification -- Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items. FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items. Questions concerning this acquisition may be directed to Monica Pileggi at 301-619-4070. Posted 12/14/98 (W-SN279893). (0348)

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