INTENT TO SOLE-SOURCE; CEPHEID GENEXPERT DISEASE MOLECULAR ANALYZER

Notice of Intent to Sole Source

PSC Code: J059 - Maint/repair/rebuild of equipment- electrical and electronic equipment components

NAICS Code: 811210- Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

General Description: The US Coast Guard (USCG) intends to award a sole source contract to Cepheid, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), for the maintenance service of their proprietary devices. This procurement is being conducted under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

Rationale: The rationale for this sole source procurement is based on the proprietary nature of the devices manufactured by Cepheid. As the OEM, Cepheid possesses unique technical knowledge, proprietary tools, and specialized expertise required to perform maintenance services on their molecular disease analyzers. No other vendor has the capability to provide the required maintenance services due to the proprietary technology involved.

Efforts to identify additional sources were conducted, including a review of the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), the issuance of multiple Requests For Information (RFIs), and other market research activities. Alternatives devices were discovered but require the procurement of alternative and proprietary devices. Current USCG owned Cepheid devices are still within their expected service life. This confirms that there are no other sources that were found capable of fulfilling the requirements due to the proprietary nature of the devices 

Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition: Efforts were made to identify additional sources and remove barriers to competition, including issuing this notice of intent to sole source on SAM.gov. It is determined that Cephid remains the only source capable of providing the necessary maintenance services for these specific devices.

Conclusion: Based on the proprietary nature of the devices and the unique capabilities of Cepheid, USCG intends to proceed with awarding a sole source contract to Cepheid for the maintenance services required.

For any questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact Jamison Harned Contracting Officer, at Jamison.w.harned@uscg.mil.