This is a single source posting notification; there are no solicitation documents for download. Note this posting is not a Request for Bid (RFB) or Request for Proposal (RFP).

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) intends to enter into an agreement with AGS Scientific to provide a Model MA-3000 Mercury Analyzer. This test instrument is manufactured by Nippon Instruments Corporation (NIC). The analyzer is used to detect the presence and concentration of mercury (Hg) in samples of items such as fish tissue and potable water, including increases and decreases of such concentrations over long periods of time. The purchase price includes analyzer, PC, installation, on-site training and 2-year warranty.

MDA has determined that the NIC MA-3000 Analyzer is the only commercially reasonably available commodity product. This is deemed a single source purchase because NIC’s equipment is solely distributed and supported in the United States by AGS Scientific and is not available from other third parties. MDA analysts have used a NIC MA-3000 Analyzer for over a decade and have significant experience and familiarity with this instrument. Several years’ worth of comparable mercury concentration data risk invalidation by switching to another manufacturer’s analyzer.

If there are any concerns regarding this single source opportunity, contact David Sisk at David.Sisk@state.mn.us before Friday May 12 at 3:00 PM Central Time. Include the reference number and title of the posting in the subject line. Or you may call the HelpLine at 651.296.2600 (MN Relay Service for persons with speech or hearing disabilities: 711 or 1.800.627.3529) or fax your request to 651.297.3996, ATTN: HelpLine