The intent of this Special Notice is for informational purposes only. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Southeast Area (SEA), Contracting Operations Branch (COB), intends to award a sole source firm fixed price contract pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) and FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements as they are the sole source for these types of products/services to:

Airgas USA, LLC

1651 Columbus Pkwy

Opelika, AL 36804-5901

Description of Requirement: Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for the supply and delivery of various cylinders gases, bulk CO2, and cylinder rentals from the company Airgas USA, LLC, and various parts including replacement valves, etc. Cylinders are the property of Airgas USA, LLC.

This product is requested to support the USDA/ARS/SEA, National Soil Dynamics Laboratory and Aquatic Animal Health Research Unit, Auburn, Alabama location.

This Notice of Intent is NOT considered an Invitation for Bids (IFB), Request for Proposals (RFP), or Request for Quotations (RFQ) nor does it restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be accepted. However, all responsible sources identifying their interest and their technical capability in meeting the requirements, if received within ten business days of publication of this notice shall be considered by the Government. All responses shall be submitted by email only to Contract Specialist, Monte Jordan, at monte.jordan@usda.gov. The Government will not reimburse firms for any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response to this notice. The Government will be the sole determiner regarding an offeror’s ability to meet all requirements. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.