PRE-CERTIFICATION AND ANNUAL SERVICE AGREEMENT

This is a Notice of Intent, not a request for proposal. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to negotiate an other than full and open competition basis Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. for a service agreement for a Bio-Rad QX200 ddPCR system.

The Laboratory of Allergic Diseases (LAD) investigates disorders of immediate hypersensitivity, including classic allergic diseases. Basic research includes studies of mast cell and eosinophil biology and signaling pathways involved in inflammation, whereas the clinical studies are involved in the investigation of the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation and the role of various cytokines in this process. The research observations are then translated into better and improved treatments for asthma, mast cell diseases and other disorders.

This Precertification followed by the annual service contract is for the Bio-Rad QX200 ddPCR system. This instrument is used by members of not only Laboratory of Allergic Diseases but also by members of other e.g. LPD, LCIM ETC. on a regular basis. The Bio-Rad QX200 ddPCR system is used to support ongoing projects that started prior to January 20th, 2025, including. The instrument will be used to perform ddPCR assays from the clinical samples that will be collected from the control as well as from the patient populations, thus are directly related to human healthcare. This acquisition is a vital component towards the mission and goals of NIH/NIAID in the prevention of chronic allergic disease to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. The Bio-Rad QX200 ddPCR system needs regular maintenance by skilled technicians knowledgeable about the specialized components to maintain optimal function. Failure to maintain this equipment in good working condition can lead to suboptimal or compromised outputs negating the studies it supports and requiring experiments be repeated. Malfunction of the equipment outside of a service contract means the equipment will be out of service for a longer time while a service call is arranged.

The statutory authority for this sole source requirement is 41 U.S.C. 1901 (a) (1) as implemented by FAR 13.106-1 only one responsible source and no other supply of service will satisfy agency requirements. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. All responsible sources that could provide comparable services may submit a capabilities statement that will be considered. The documents must be submitted via the NIAID electronic Simplified Acquisition Submission System (eSASS) website at https://esass.nih.gov, (subject line to reference NOI-NIAID-25-2258786 by 12:00 pm eastern standard time May 27, 2025. All vendors must register in the eSASS system to submit a capabilities statement. Instructions on how to register / submit quotes are included on the website. Late submissions shall be treated in accordance with the solicitation provision at FAR 52.212-1(f). All responsible sources may submit a capabilities statement that will be considered by this Agency.