36C24E21Q0018.docx

Contract Opportunity Special Notice

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AN12

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY CORE SERVICES

15212-5319 36C24E21Q0018 N 541715 US Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Regional Procurement Office (RPO) East 323 North Shore Drive, Suite 500 Pittsburgh PA 15212-5319 The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Office of Research and Development (R&D), Regional Procurement Office (RPO) – East in Pittsburgh, PA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Genewiz, LLC.

The requirement is for Genewiz, LLC to provide the Atlanta VA Healthcare System with molecular biology/genomic core services. These services will be directly supporting the R&D Laboratory at the Atlanta VA Healthcare System in Decatur, Georgia. This contract will have a base period (1 year) and 2 option periods.

This procurement is being conducted IAW FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other contractors will satisfy agency requirements; and VHAPM Part 813.106-1(b), Other Than Full and Open Competition less than SAT for Open Market Items. This is because the Government asserts that Genewiz, LLC is the only contractor that can provide this specific molecular biology/genomic core services needed by the R&D Laboratory at the Atlanta VA Healthcare System in Decatur, Georgia. Specifically, the molecular biology/genomic core services needed is as follows:

1. DNA sequencing: This service will provide accurate DNA sequence analysis o various plasmid constructs and PCR products. It is essential that the sequence reads are both accurate and of sufficient length (greater than 1,000 bp). In addition, results must be delivered in a timely manner. Our experience with this vendor (Genewiz) over the last 6 years is that they provide high-quality results that are delivered with a 24 hr turnaround time. This is essential for our research progress. DNA-Sequence data will be delivered via a secure web server with username and password requirements.

2. RNA-sequencing: A significant component of our research requires global gene expression analysis using RNA-seq. It is essential that we have accurate information and fast turnaround times to avoid delays in our work. Our experience with this company is that they provide excellent service with RNA-seq analysis. In addition, the bioinformatic analysis of RNA-seq data is critical component and must be done in an accurate and comprehensive manner. RNA-sequence data will be delivered via a secure web server with username and password requirements. In some cases, large amounts of data may be delivered via a hard drive. None of this data is sensitive and would be of no use to anyone except the lab PI.

3. Synthetic gene construction: We routinely require complex gene constructions for our research. This typically requires splicing together 3-4 PCR products in the correct orientation. This is very time consuming and requires multiple reagents. In addition, when the time of a research technician is also factored in this can become very costly. Genewiz provides a synthetic gene construction service that is very cost effective and saves both time and money. Synthetic gene constructs: will be delivered as DNA samples by express courier.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement may submit a capability statement and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer no later than Tuesday, December 01, 2020, 4:00 PM, EST. Interest/capability statements may be sent by email to Mr. Robin Simmons at robin.simmons@va.gov. No telephone responses will be accepted. A determination not to compete the proposed requirement based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.