Added: Aug 15, 2008 1:42 pm
The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Clinical Molecular Profiling Core and installation (CMPC) plans to procure as a sole source the brand Qiagen BioRobot 8000 Upgrade from Qiagen Inc.; 27220 Turnberry Ln., Suite 200; Valencia, California 91355-1005.
The supplies are herein are being procured in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized by FAR Part 13.106-(b) (1). The North American Industry Classification System Code is 334516 and the business size standard is 500 employees.
Part I. Background Information and Description of Acquisition:
The Clinical Molecular Profiling Core (CMPC) will develop and implement state of the art genomic technologies thereby maximizing the clinical benefits and biological insights derived from the analysis of biospecimens obtained from the NCI clinical trials. The CMPC requires the capability to handle minute amounts of liquid (uL scale) to create customized storage and reaction plates. This would remove a current blockage in the core s workflow for DNA sequencing using capillary sequencers and allow for increased throughput testing. This liquid handling capability would also allow us to setup and efficiently carry out PCR reactions at a larger scale.
The Qiagen BioRobot 8000 molecular biology workstations are the ideal match for modern capillary sequencers. BioRobots provide fast and reliable high-throughput, front-end sample preparation , and liquid handling using proven Qiagen chemistries and innovative, patent pending technologies.
Part II. Facts and Reasons to Justify Other than Full and Open Competition:
Statute: This justification has been prepared under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253 (c)(1) as set forth in 13.106-1 (b)(1).
(b) Soliciting from a single source.
(1) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, or industrial mobilization).
No other requirement and/or type for supply or service will satisfy agency need.
The CMPC requires the capability to handle minute amounts of liquid (uL scale) in purposeful ways to create customized storage and reaction plates. The BioRobot has this capability. The Robot possesses an efficient contaminant removal using a patent-pending automated vacuum system allowing CMPC personnel to purify up to sixteen 96-well plates per work day; this allows for increased throughput testing in the CMPC.
This upgrade must be compatible with the current Qiagen BioRobot 8000 liquid handling robot already stationed in the lab. Qiagen is the only known vendor to the NCI who can provide this instrument because they only providers of the software upgrades and trained technicians possessing the knowledge and skills to service this equipment.
This is not a request for competitive quotation. However, if any interested party believes it can meet the above requirement, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The statement of capabilities and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow the researcher to determine if the party can meet this requirement. One (1) original and one (1) copy of the capability statement must be received in the contracting office by 11:00 a.m. ET on August 29, 2008. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed to 301-402-4513 or sent via email to Malinda Holdcraft: holdcram@exchange.nih.gov. It is the vendor s responsibility to ensure questions have been received. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No collect calls will be accepted. In order to receive an award, contractor must have valid, updated registration and certification in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). Please reference NCI-80177-NG on all correspondence.
