66--Special Notice of Intent to Sole Source Award

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intends to award a sole source contract for the purchase of a Histocore Chromax ST instrument, which is an automated slide stainer. The instrument is required for the Dexter Fish Health Unit to perform high-volume, time-sensitive histopathology results for disease diagnostics and fish health inspection/certifications. The contract will be awarded to Leica Microsystems, Inc., as they are the exclusive manufacturer of the Histocore Chromax ST. • The instrument must have an automated 18 reagent station slide stainer with programmable cycles. • The instrument must have a benchtop footprint with a compact design. • The instrument must be able to process 240 H&E slides per hour with a pre-validated protocol. • The instrument must have a reagent management system and reporting capability. • The contractor must provide white glove delivery, installation, and training within one year.