2_Posting Justification_EXPI293_2203973.docx

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

Project Title: Gibco EXPI293 Expression Media 6 x 1L, catalog # A1435102, QTY 32 EA with 5 scheduled shipment dates (Vaccine Research Center - VRC)

I. Identification of the agency and contracting activity

II. Description of the project, and supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs The Vaccine Research Center is developing vaccines for HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. Production of various wild-type and mutant viral proteins and anti-viral antibodies is critical in vaccine development. Making different mutations of viral proteins and expressing antibodies against such proteins is critical for vaccine development. To make these proteins the EXPI293 EXPRESSION MEDIUM reagents are critical to the success of protein and antibody productions.

The Virology makes protein immunogens and antibodies for vaccine studies. The EXPI293 EXPRESSION MEDIUM is unique in that it allows for high density growth and protein production is needed on a regular basis to satisfy daily protein production requests. The goal of the VRC is to translate basic research into concrete vaccine products that can be rapidly deployed to protect public health. The EXPI293 EXPRESSION MEDIUM is unique in that it allows for high density growth and protein production, with the accompanied use of other components such as specific cell lines. We have been using the EXPI293 EXPRESSION MEDIUM for over three years. It has proven to support the production of the proteins that we require for our protocols in the development for vaccines for HIV and other viruses.

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

· 41 USC 253(c)(1) and FAR Part 13.106-1: 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 contractor(s):

Life Technologies Corporation 3175 Staley Road Grand Island, New York 14072 USA

B. Describe why only the requested supply/service will meet the government’s needs:

The goal of the VRC is to translate basic research into concrete vaccine products that can be rapidly deployed to protect public health. The EXPI293 EXPRESSION MEDIUM, is unique in that it allows for high density growth and protein production. We have been using the EXPI293 EXPRESSION MEDIUM for over three years. It has proven to support the production of the proteins that we require for our protocols in the development for vaccines for HIV and other viruses.

C. Describe why only the proposed contractor is capable of providing the requested supply/service:

The VCR has been using Life Technologies products for several years, and only this EXPI293 EXPRESSION MEDIUM reagent is compatible with the current experiments. To change the type of kit used mid-experiment would render previous gathered data useless. Furthermore, scheduled incremental shipments are required to keep the newest lots on hand; to ship the full requirement in one shipment would risk expiration of some of the products.