A16_J_A_Brand_Name_Only_-_Redacted.pdf

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION

1. Contracting Agency and Activity. The Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey plans to contract by means other than full and open competition. This document sets forth the justification and approval for award of a brand name QIAcube Connect SYS-FUL-1 on a limited source basis as required by FAR 13.106-1.

2. Nature of Action Being Approved. Firm fixed price award for procurement of one QIAcube Connect SYS-FUL-1 from QIAGEN LLC, catalog number 9003077.

3. Description of Supplies or Services. The Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) has a requirement for a QIAcube Connect automated system for spin-column purification of DNA, RNA, or protein from water or tissue samples. The instrument will support projects involving environmental DNA detection, gene expression analysis, RNA interference, and DNA sequencing. Projects are funded by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area Invasive Species Program, the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area Environmental Health Program, and reimbursable grants from DoD, Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP).

4. Estimated Dollar Value.

5. Statutory Authority. The proposed action may be awarded on a sole source basis under the authority FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) – only one source reasonably available.

6. Rationale Supporting Use of Citation in No. 5.

Spin-column purifications of DNA, RNA, or protein from samples of water or tissue are well-established but demanding techniques. The QIAcube Connect offers a unique combination of features that fit our laboratories’ need for an automated system to perform spin column purifications. The instrument offers full automation, capacity to purify 12 samples in parallel in each run, flexibility to run different kits specific to the needs of each project, QA/QC support for confirming correct setup for each run and tracing samples, and prevention of cross-contamination by UV LED light at wavelength 278 nm and optical power of 200-300 mW. The instrument contains a centrifuge with a swing-out rotor, maximum 45°, 12 rotor positions, and 12,000 x g maximum speed. The instrument contains a shaker with an amplitude of 2 mm and a speed range of 100-2000 RPM. The instrument contains a heater with a range of ambient temperature to 70 °C. The instrument contains a pipetting system with a syringe size of 1 ml and a pipetting range of 5 – 900 µl.

7. Other Information. N/A

8. The Efforts to Identify Additional Sources Including the Market Research Conducted.

Market research was conducted via the internet. No other instrument with all the capabilities to meet the Government’s minimum need was identified. identified. QIAGEN is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the QIAcube Connect. Further, a sources sought notice was posted to SAM.gov and no responses were received which were technically acceptable to meet the Government's needs.

9. Actions to Overcome Barriers to Competition.

Future requirements for the same or similar items will undergo market research and be competed to the maximum extent practical.

10. Recommendation and Certification from Program Office

Based on the above, I recommend this acquisition be conducted on a limited source basis. I certify that technical data which form a basis for this justification, that are the responsibility of technical or requirements personnel are complete and accurate.

a. A fair and reasonable price will be determined through comparison of the same/similar item(s).

b. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.