USDA-ARS-MWA, Contracting Office, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604

66 -- COLONY PICKER SOL 5114-9-6010 DUE 092799 POC Lori J. Houghton, 309-681-6616 The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Midwest Area, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA has the requirement for a Colony Picker. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation No. 5114-9-6010 is being issued as a Request for Quotation. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-12. The solicitation is 100% set-aside for small businesses. Standard Industrial Classification Code 3826 with a corresponding size standard of 500 employees applies to qualify as a small business. Line Item 1 Colony Picker, Gemetix Q Pix, Biorobotics BioPix or equal; The following accessories are to be provided with the system: PC and software (32 bit application) Windows 95; 96 pin picking head; 3 plate holders (hold 5 plates each); Quiet air compressor; UV Light; Installation and Training. The salient characteristics are as follows: Bench top colony picker capable of picking colonies at a rate in excess of 3500 per hour from one Q tray or other defined dishes into 15 microplates. Colonies are imaged using CCD camera and positional, color, and size information is assimilated and analyzed using custom written software. Colonies are then picked using the 96 pin head, and inoculated into prefilled microplates. The picking head is then washed and sterilized ready for the next cycle. Specification: Size 80 x 148 x 90 cm; Weight 120 Kg; Power 110V 30A. The equipment must be able to use any source of plasticware. Must have a system to transfer colonies to 96 well plates; an integrated plate filling capability is preferred; Easy to use software interface for colony picking and plate filling; unattended operation is preferred; ability to recognize and pick colonies or collect agar plugs; sterilization system must be specified- prefer a heated system; prefer capability for pooling of colonies; must be able to pick 20,000 colonies in a day. Delivery of the equipment shall be within 12 weeks after receipt of the purchase order and may be delivered to: USDA-ARS-MWA, National Animal Disease Center, 2300 Dayton Ave. Ames, IA 50010. Prices should reflect that they are FOB Destination. Price will include everything identified above. FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial, FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, and FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items apply to this acquisition. The clauses may be viewed at http://www.arnet.gov/far/ Quotations will be evaluated on price, past performance. Price and past performance when combined are equal. Offerors must include with their quotation a list of at least four references to include Name, Company, Address, Phone and Fax Numbers, and e-mail address, if applicable. Offers to include a commercial warranty for equipment. Offer must include a 30 calendar day acceptance period. Offers are to be received Not Later than the Close of Business, September 27, 1999 at USDA-ARS-MWA, Contracting Office, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604. Fax quotations are acceptable. FAX No. (309) 681-6680 or (309) 681-6683. The POC for this acquisition is Lori J. Houghton, (309) 681-6616. Posted 09/17/99 (W-SN381634). (0260)

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