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.