Leica Brand Name Microscopes, Parts, Accesories, and Services

1.  PURPOSE

Based on the market research the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) has conducted, it has found “only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized”.  As such, it intends to issue a firm-fixed price, SOLE-SOURCE contract in accordance with FAR Subpart 8.405-6(b)(1), Items peculiar to one (1) manufacturer- Brand Name, for the procurement  and installation of two (2) types of Leica brand comparison and compound microscopes, the Forensic Science Manual (FS M) and the Motorized 60 (M60) models.

POTENTIAL sources/vendors with the capability to satisfy/fulfill ATF’s requirement shall respond to this notice with clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government.  Based on the responses to this notice, the Government will have the sole discretion in determining whether to compete this requirement. 

This notice does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service; therefore, the Government will not pay for any information or reimburse vendors for any cost connected with this Notice.  Instead, the responding vendor will be solely responsible for all costs associated with this Notice.  Not responding to this RFI will not preclude participation in any future contract/order/agreement, if issued. 

If a solicitation is released, then it will be issued through a government point of entry (i.e., SAM, eBuy, SEWP, etc.); therefore, vendors should monitor such sites for additional information pertaining to this requirement.  ATF will not accept any unsolicited offers/quotations/bids/proposals related to this Notice since this is neither a solicitation nor a promise to issue a solicitation for said services in the future. 

2.  ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is a law-enforcement agency within the Department of Justice (DOJ).  ATF’s mission is to reduce violent crime and to protect the public. ATF enforces Federal laws and regulations relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives, and arson. Laboratory Services Division (LS) provides analytical and advisory services on matters of a scientific nature in support of ATF’s mission.  Currently, there are two (2) forensic science laboratories (FSLs) within LS, which include the FSL-A (in Atlanta, GA) and the FSL-W (in Ammendale, MD, yet “W” for Washington). Laboratory Services expects expansion to a facility in Wichita, Kansas within the lifetime of this contract/order.

3.  REQUIREMENT BACKGROUND AND SCOPE

ATF’s Laboratory Services Division (LS) provides the examination of firearms, cartridge cases and projectiles through microscopic analysis of crime-scene and seized evidence.  LS also supports the National Firearms Examiner Academy (NFEA), based at FSL-W, which trains state-and-local firearms examiners in several areas of firearms analysis, to include microscopic examination and comparison. 

LS anticipates that ATF’s requirement will result in a firm fixed price contract with option years, which will allow flexibility, responsiveness, and a cost-effective way to meet the operational requirements to modernize ATF’s fleet of Leica comparison microscopes and ensure ATF’s examiners have the most up-to-date equipment. 

ATF has a requirement for Leica Forensic Science Manual (FS M) comparison microscopes, Leica Motorized 60 (M60) stereomicroscopes, related parts, and accessories, as well as related services, including delivery and installation. 

Place of performance/Delivery/Service Location will be at any of the ATF labs listed below:

FSL-A | 2600 Century Parkway, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30345

FSL-W | 6000 Ammendale Road, Beltsville, MD  20705

Wichita, KS-Full address to be disclosed in during the performance of the contract

The vendor must meet the minimum Technical Requirements listed below: 

Component specifications:

Procure and provide the following services throughout the duration of the contract: See Component Specification Attachment

Contractor shall ensure it has the proper staff, qualified and/or certified personnel to service the microscopes as required throughout the contract.

The Contractor shall deliver the equipment within 60-90 calendar days of issuing the contract and/or modification(s), if required.  Services shall be provided within 30 days of the request and funding.

Equipment and materials shall be free from damage and defects, including manufacturer defects and damage as the result of handling and transport by the manufacturer and/or the Contractor.  If the equipment or materials are discovered to be damaged or defective, the Contractor shall replace the equipment or materials within 10-business days of notification from the Government representative.

The Contractor is responsible for quality control, delivery/installation of quality goods and services to the Government, to ensure compliance with the contract requirements.

4.  INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESPONDING TO THIS NOTICE

Potential sources/vendors with the capability to satisfy/fulfill ATF’s requirement shall:

• respond to this Special Notice via www.SAM.gov by the Close Date and Time of this Notice with a written response demonstrating your capability;
• complete and return the attached Excel file, ATF RFI VENDOR INFORMATION, with your response; and limit any proprietary information and clearly mark and separate such information to aid the Government. 

If there’s an issue with uploading supporting documentation via SAM, then said sources/vendors shall send the required information in Section 4 via email to Steven.Jaimes@ATF.gov.  No other forms of communication will be accepted or honored for this requirement.

Since ALL submissions become the property of the Government, they will not be returned.