THIS IS FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY, NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL OR SOLICITATION A market survey is being conducted to determine if there are adequate Small Business, SBA-certified HUBZone, SBA-certified 8(a), Women-Owned, or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) contractors available for a proposed project who meet the specific criteria outlined below. This is not a solicitation Announcement or Request for Proposal. It does not constitute any commitment by the Government. No award will result from this notice. The purpose is to conduct market research to gain knowledge of potentially qualified sources. Responses to this Sources Sought Notice will be used by the Government to make an appropriate acquisition decision. The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will not award a contract on the basis of responses or pay for the preparation of any information submitted. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this notice. After completing an analysis of the responses, the Government will determine whether to limit competition to 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, Women-Owned, or other small business firms; to proceed with issuing an unrestricted solicitation, inviting full and open competition; or to procure through sole source acquisition procedures. Purpose: The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) seeks to determine the availability and capability of potential small businesses to include socio-economic set-aside qualified businesses and other than small businesses for the project below. The information received resulting from this market research will be considered solely for the purpose of determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside or sole source is appropriate. Project Information: The Government seeks information from qualified and experienced contractors capable of completing projects similar in scope and magnitude to the project described below. Contractors must demonstrate the ability to perform under a potential contracting vehicle. Place of Performance: National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, 1980 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502. Period of Performance: One year base period with two, one year options. Project Description: Service contract and preventive maintenance plan for a Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX S, 4-Laser with Plate Loader. Scope of work: See attached Statement of Work. Instructions For Interested Parties, Capabilities: Companies who have the experience, as well as an interest in doing business with ARS, should submit a Capabilities Statement which, for this notice, is not expected to be a proposal, but rather short statements regarding the company's ability to demonstrate their expertise and experience in relation to the areas specified in this notice. The Capabilities Statement must show that the company meets or exceeds the following: Factory certified Beckman Coulter technicians; Priority scheduling of any need repairs. Companies should also indicate …