This is a Notice of Intent to Sole source. Requests for a solicitation will receive no response.

This Proposed Contract Action is published to notify potential sources that the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, One Gifford Pinchot Dr., Madison, WI 53726 intends to award a sole source firm-fixed price contract, on behalf of the USDA Forest Service, to Jeol USA for Full Scanning Electrode Microscope System.

JEOL offers a full-size SEM with considerably more options for imaging techniques and upgrading compared to any tabletop SEM model. These options would facilitate expanded capability for imaging non-conductive and soft materials or hydrated samples, and increased imaging resolution. The full-size SEM can accommodate a large specimen holder, and a more extensive selection of sample stages for temperature control or mechanical testing of samples under the microscope.

The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 334516. The size standard is 1000 employees.

The Proposed contract action is for services which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate witsh only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1 (b)(1)(i) Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. 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 desired delivery date described herein is anticipated to be, July 31 2023. The Responses to this synopsis will be used to confirm that this is a sole source requirement. This notice is NOT a request for Quote (RFQ); it is a market research tool being utilized to determine the availability and adequacy of potential sources prior to awarding the contract. Any information submitted by respondents to this synopsis is strictly voluntary. The Government will not pay for any information that is submitted by respondents to this notice of proposed contract action.

Contractors who believe they possess the expertise and experience shall submit technical capabilities in writing to Susan Davis electronically at: susan.a.davis@usda.gov. Responses must be received no later than 1400CST July 12, 2023. All documentation shall become the property of the Government. This synopsis neither constitutes a request for Quote nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. This synopsis should not be construed as commitment by the Government for any purpose other than market research. Please note than any prospective offeror must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov prior to the award in accordance with FAR part 4.11