2_JA Formulatrix.docx

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition Brand Name at or Below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

I. Identification of the agency and contracting activity

A. Description of the project, and supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs Our mission here at the VRC is to determine the immune correlates of protection against emerging infectious diseases. One of the specific aims of the lab is to understand processes that determine the course of human diseases in which the immune system plays a central role in their pathogenesis and outcome. We use the knowledge gained from studies on human disease directly in humans, with as little in vitro manipulation as possible to initiate clinical studies of new therapeutic and vaccine approaches. Many of our current projects will investigate RNA expression profiles of cell subsets from HTVN505 volunteers to identify markers are predictive of susceptibility to HIV acquisition. By far, the most robust approach to measure gene expression is RNA sequencing (RNAseq).

Lab requirement:

This request is for Formulatrix FAST liquid handling instrument. It combines efficient workflow for reaction set-up and rapid automated performance of the entire digital PCR process consisting of partitioning, amplification and imaging. The Genomic Analysis Core requires this new liquid hander for (1) handling of single-copy quantification of SARS-CoV-2 complementary DNA molecules generated in our high-throughput variant sequencing workflow, and (2) handling of single-copy quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA molecules in blood cell subsets examined in our studies of virus persistence and dissemination in vivo. Based on these specs this is the only instrument that will meet our need.

II. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition (SELECT ONE)

· 41 USC 253(c)(1) and FAR Part 6.302-1: Only one responsible source

III. 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 contractor(s)

FORMULATRIX

10 DeAngelo Drive, Bedford, MA 01730, USA Phone 1.781.788.0228 | Fax 1.781.207.5522 | www.formulatrix.com

B. Describe why only the requested supply/service will meet the government’s needs: The Genomic Analysis Core requires this new liquid hander for (1) handling of single-copy quantification of SARS-CoV-2 complementary DNA molecules generated in our high-throughput variant sequencing workflow, and (2) handling of single-copy quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA molecules in blood cell subsets examined in our studies of virus persistence and dissemination in vivo. Based on these specs this is the only instrument that will meet our need. There is no other instrument like this on the market.

FAST: Unique 96-tip head allows for rapid sample transfer Flexible: Transfer sample between 96- and 384-well microplate formats using 1, 8, 12 or 96 tips Versatile: Cherry Picking, Serial Dilution, Plate Copy Liquid Class Agnostic: Positive displacement transfer mitigates liquid class effects on accuracy Compact: Small footprint allows for desktop use and integration with complimentary robotics

C. Describe why only the requested brand or brand name feature of the supply/service will meet the government’s needs: The FAST Liquid Handler can only be provided by the vendor Formulatrix. No other brand can provide this instrumentation because it is not offered from any other vendor.