2_J and A 2078734.docx

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition:

Brand Name at or Below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Project Title: Acquisition of RealTime PCR System

I. Identification of the agency and contracting activity

II. Description of the project, and supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs

A. Project Background and Requirement

The Groshong Laboratory studies pathogenicity of Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease spirochete. Studies in this lab focus on nutrient acquisition pathways that are imperative to propagation throughout the enzootic cycle, as well as maintenance of infection in the mammalian host. A core laboratory need is the ability to evaluate gene expression and conduct fluorometric assays to measure protein binding affinities via quantitative RealTime PCR.

This request includes a RealTime PCR System and its operation software. The RealTime PCR system allows fluorometric "Real Time" reading of chemical processes within a biological assay. Current biological assays not only require a wide range of filters to detect specific fluorophores, but also require "multiplexing" in which multiple fluorophores can be read simultaneously to ensure consistent internal controls and increasingly accurate data collection and comparison.

As this laboratory concentrates on molecular biology experimentation, it is essential that this core equipment be reliable, highly flexible, and consistent in sample processing and data collection. As a new laboratory with limited space, it is also important that equipment footprints can be minimized to maximize available space.

III. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition

41 USC 3304(a)(1) and FAR Part 6.302-1: Only one responsible source/Brand Name

IV. Demonstration that the proposed contractor(s) unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

A. Name and address of the proposed manufacturer:

Thermo Fisher Scientific 168 3rd Ave Waltham, MA 02451

B. Describe why only the requested brand or brand name feature of the supply/service will meet the government’s needs

In addition to all the salient characteristics noted above, the PI has been trained on Applied Biosystems RealTime PCR Systems preiously, as the systems are reliable and yields high data accuracy. The software is flexible, allowing web-based analysis on the go and the equipment can detect changes as low as 1.5-fold. The Applied Biosystems QuantStudio utilizes the OptiFlex System to increase well-to-well and run-to-run accuracy and allows the analysis of both SYBR and TaqMan based assays within the same plate, a common requirement in this laboratory. The PCR systems used in the lab are also Applied Biosystems and the addition of the Applied Biosystems RealTime PCR system will maintain system congruency.

The Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 5 RealTime PCR System is requested because it’s specifications meet the nees of the lab.

Specifications:

RealTime PCR Machine Analysis Software Laptop/Desktop computer for operation System utilizes a 0.2ml 96-well plate format Temperature uniformity of 0.4C Accuracy of 0.25C Heats at 6.5C/sec Temperature range of 4-99.9C Multiplex up to 6 channels Has 6 temperature zones Small footprint of 27x50cm.

Includes start-up consumables and options:

Applied Biosystems TaqMan RNase P Instrument Verification Plate Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 3/5 10-Dye Spectral Calibration Kit, 96-well, 0.2 mL Applied Biosystems MicroAmp Optical Adhesive Film, No. per Case: 25 Covers, Content And Storage: Includes 25 Optical Adhesive Cover Applied Biosystems MicroAmp EnduraPlate Optical 96-Well Clear reaction Plates with Barcode, Quantity: 20 Plates, Optical, Clear, Barcode: Includes Barcode, Content Applied Biosystems High-Power USB Wi-Fi Module, For Use With: QuantStudio 3, QuantStudio 5, SimpliAmp Thermal Cycler, ProFlex PCR System