Microwave Tissue Processor

Trade Agreement: NAFTA/AIT/Canada FTAs with Peru/Colombia/Panama Tendering Procedures: Generally only one firm has been invited to bid Attachment: None Non-Competitive Procurement Strategy: Exclusive Rights Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No Vendor Name and Address: Leica Microsystems (Canada) Inc. 71 Four Valley Drive Concord Ontario Canada L4K4V8 Nature of Requirements: 6D063-133311/A Wiebe, Amanda Telephone No. - (204) 983-7032 Fax No. - (204) 983-7796

TITLE: Microwave Tissue Processor

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), on behalf of Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Winnipeg, MB intends to negotiate with Leica Microsystems Canada for the provision of a Microwave Tissue Processor.

DEFINITION OF THE REQUIREMENT

The National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) Electron Microscope laboratory provides a service for all NML scientists. We endeavour to provide images of the various pathogens being investigated at the NML. At present the facility has two electron microscopes, a transmission electron microscope, and scanning electron microscope. These microscopes are used to image viruses, bacteria, and tissue culture cells which have been infected with a pathogen. The microwave tissue processor being requested will be used for rapid biological tissue processing. We require a fully automated microwave tissue processor so that we can process many samples with a short turnaround time (same day/hours) compared to the conventional procedures which take a couple of days to process.

SECURITY REQUIREMENT

There is a security requirement associated with this requirement.

MINIMUM ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Any interested supplier must demonstrate by way of a statement of capabilities that its product meets the following requirements:

1. The system will be used for rapid processing biological tissue samples. As such we require a system that can be programed to; (1) mix (agitate) samples, (2) change reagents, and (3) use a microwave source for rapid sample processing - maximum 8 hours. This entire process must be fully automated and not require the operator to manually do any of the processing steps, with the exception of loading the samples at the beginning of a run, and removing them at the end.

2. The programmable/automated system must use the microwave to process samples and to polymerize resin blocks.

3. The system must be able to hold a minimum of 20 biological samples per tissue processing run. This includes both tissue sample processing and block polymerization

4. The system must have reagent vials that are sealed so that reagents do not evaporate. 5. The system must have a fume exhaust system, to keep dangerous vapor from the user.

6. The system must have a solvent sensor in the microwave chamber that can detect if a reagent boils over and automatically shut off the microwave source (for user safety).

7. The system software must monitor both microwave irradiation and sample temperature during automated tissue processing.

8. The system must include a minimum one year OEM warranty (parts and labour included).

9. Supplier must be able to provide on-site installation of the unit and training for up to 3 people.

JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRE-IDENTIFIED SUPPLIER

This is a unique piece of equipment, and there are no similar products available on the market. This is believed to be the only piece of equipment that is able to meet our mandatory specifications, only Leica Microsystems and Edge Scientific (their sales agent); fabricate, install, and train users on the operation of their equipment.

APPLICABILITY OF THE TRADE AGREEMENTS TO THIS PROCUREMENT This procurement is subject to the following trade agreements:

Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS REGULATIONS EXCEPTIONS

The following exception(s) to the Government Contracts Regulations is (are) invoked for this procurement under subsection: Government Contract Regulations, Part 1, Section 6(d) only one supplier (person or firm) is capable of performing the contract.

EXCLUSIONS AND/OR LIMITED TENDERING REASONS

The following exclusions and/or limited tendering reasons are invoked under the:

Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) - Article 506 - 12 (b) where there is an absence of competition for technical reasons and the goods or services can be supplied only by a particular supplier and no alternative or substitute exist. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) - Article 1016 - 2 (b) where, for works of art, or for reasons connected with the protection of patents, copyrights or other exclusive rights, or proprietary information or where there is an absence of competition for technical reasons, the goods or services can be supplied only by a particular supplier and no reasonable alternative or substitute exists.

DELIVERY DATE

The equipment must be delivered on or before March 31, 2014, F.O.B Destination

NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PRE-IDENTIFIED SUPPLIER

Leica Microsystems Canada 71 Four Valley Drive Concord, ON L4K 4V8

INQUIRIES AND SUBMISSION OF STATEMENTS OF CAPABILITIES

Inquiries and statement of capabilities are to be directed to

Amanda Wiebe Supply Officer | Agente d'approvisionnement Public Works and Government Services Canada Travaux publics et Services gouvernement aux Canada Acquisitions Branch | Direction générale des approvisioinnements 100 - 167 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2Z1 |167, av. Lombard, pièce 100, Winnipeg, (MB), R3C 2Z1

Tel | Tél: (204) 983-7032 Fax | Téléc: (204) 983-7796 Email | Courriel: amanda.wiebe@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

You are hereby notified that the government intends to negotiate with one firm only as identified above. Should you have any questions concerning this requirement, contact the contracting officer identified above.

An Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) allows departments and agencies to post a notice, for no less than fifteen (15) calendar days, indicating to the supplier community that it intends to award a good, service or construction contract to a pre-identified contractor. If no other supplier submits, on or before the closing date, a Statement of Capabilities that meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, the contracting authority may then proceed with the award. However, should a Statement of Capabilities be found to meet the requirements set out in the ACAN, then the contracting authority will proceed to a full tendering process.

Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the services/goods described herein, may submit a statement of capabilities in writing to the contact person identified in this Notice on or before the closing date of this Notice. The statement of capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the advertised requirements.

The PWGSC file number, the contracting officer's name and the closing date of the ACAN must appear on the outside of the envelope in block letters or, in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the covering page.

The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.