Sources Sought QuantStudio 6 Brand Name or Equal.docx

Sources Sought Notice

DESCRIPTION

This is a source(s) sought notice for information purposes only and it is not a solicitation announcement or an obligation or commitment by the Government. This notice is intended strictly for market research.

The Department of Veterans Affairs - Network Contracting Office 17 is seeking information in response to this Sources Sought Notice for market research purposes only. Interested Service- Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses, Veteran Owned Small Businesses, Small Business Administration Section 8a, Women-Owned, and other socio-economically disadvantaged small businesses who believe they possess the experience and qualifications to successfully perform the scope of work described below are encouraged to respond in order for us to make a set-aside determination. Any business size entity may respond to this sources sought notice.

Responses are being sought from qualified businesses capable of providing the required supplies and services outlined below. The anticipated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the work is 334111, Electronic Computer Manufacturing with a small business size standard of 1,250 employees. See below for summary of the requested items.

Summary of Project Scope The Department of Veterans Affairs - Network Contracting Office 17 is seeking brand-name or equal QuantStudio Real-Time PCR 6 Pro System (part# A43168) to be utilized for advanced molecular biology research. This supply is intended for use by the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, located at 7400 Merton Minter, San Antonio, TX 78229. Please refer to the draft Statement of Work below for additional details.

Interested Parties Potential candidates having the capabilities necessary to provide the stated supplies at a fair and reasonable price are invited to respond to this Sources Sought Notice via email to Contract Specialist Romya Turner at Romya.turner@va.gov, no later than June 20th, 2025, 6:00 PM CST. No telephone inquiries will be accepted.

All responses to this notice should provide the following information:

1. WHAT IS THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF YOUR ITEM?

2. Company name, address, SAM UEI number, point of contact name, phone number and email address.

3. Business size and representation(s) of the company (i.e., Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), Hubzone, Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), Large Business, etc.)

4. If SDVOSB or VOSB, can business comply with clause VAAR 852.219-75 - VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION) in fulfilling the requirements within the draft Statement of Work?

5. If SDVOSB vendors can supply the items, is the SDVOSB supplying the items from a Small Business Manufacturer?

6. Is the company considered a small business under the NAICS code 334111 identified under this sources sought?

6. Capability statement as it relates to the attached draft Statement of Work and any other information that can aide in determining capability (i.e. compatibility requirements).

7. Does the company have a current federal contract (i.e., GSA, NAC, SAC, NASA SEWP etc.)? If so, provide the contract type, number, and expiration date.

8. If the company has a current federal contract, are the services being offered available on the contract?

9. Are the products you provide for leasing and services made in America?

In addition to the information above and demonstration to the government that the interested party can provide the required supplies that fulfill the required specifications in the draft SOW, please provide:

• Any questions/concerns in regard to the Draft SOW.

Disclaimer and Important Notes: This Sources Sought Notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. This Sources Sought Notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. The Government will treat any information received as proprietary and will not share such information with other companies. Any organization responding to this Sources Sought Notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. The Government may or may not issue a solicitation as a result of this announcement. There is no solicitation available at this time.

/END OF NOTICE/

**DRAFT STATEMENT OF WORK FOR

QuantStudio 7 Pro Real-Time PCR 671-25-3-336-0222

SOUTH TEXAS VETERANS’ HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Research Service (151) **

1. Scope: The purpose of this equipment contract is to define the scope of the procurement of the QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System to be utilized for advanced molecular biology research at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System Research Service. The equipment will support a range of genomic applications, including but not limited to gene expression analysis, genetic variation studies, and pathogen detection, translocation analysis, viral load analysis, drug metabolism, epigenetics, synthetic biology, and stem cells enabling high-precision, reproducible results for research purposes.

2. Summary of Work Requirements: STX Research is requesting the purchase of the QuantStudio real-time PCR, Applied bio-systems TaqMan RNase for use with 7500 Fast System, 7900HT Fast System, QuantStudio 12k Flex, Quant Studio 6 Flex, QuantStudio 7 Flex, StepOnePlus, ViiA 7 System QuantStudio 6 Pro.

3. Salient Characteristics: (reference: www.Thermofisher.com/quantstudiopro )

Principles of Operation

· Sample Preparation and Loading:

· Input: Nucleic acid samples (DNA or RNA, often reverse-transcribed to cDNA for RNA analysis) are mixed with primers, probes (e.g., TaqMan probes), and a master mix containing DNA polymerase, dNTPs, and buffer.

· Format: Samples are loaded into 96-well or 384-well plates, or other compatible formats, which are placed in the thermal block of the QuantStudio 6.

· Thermal Cycling:

· The system uses a Peltier-based thermal cycling system to precisely control temperature changes, enabling the three main steps of PCR:

· Denaturation (~95°C): Double-stranded DNA is heated to separate into single strands.

· Annealing (~50–65°C): Primers bind to complementary sequences on the single-stranded DNA.

· Extension (~72°C): DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by extending the primers.

· The QuantStudio 6’s thermal block, typically made of aluminum for efficient heat transfer, ensures uniform temperature across wells, with rapid ramp rates for faster cycling (e.g., up to 40 cycles in ~30–60 minutes, depending on protocol).

· Fluorescence-Based Detection:

· Real-Time Monitoring: The system quantifies DNA amplification in real time by detecting fluorescence signals during each cycle.

· Fluorophores: Fluorescent dyes (e.g., SYBR Green) or probes (e.g., TaqMan probes with FAM, VIC, or other dyes) emit light when bound to amplified DNA or cleaved during amplification.

· OptiFlex Technology: The QuantStudio 6 uses a white LED excitation source and a sensitive optical system with multiple filters (up to 6 excitation/emission channels) to detect multiple fluorophores simultaneously, enabling multiplexing (e.g., detecting multiple targets in a single reaction).

· Photodetectors: A CCD camera or similar sensor captures fluorescence intensity, which correlates with the amount of amplified DNA.

· Data Acquisition and Analysis:

· Real-Time Data: Fluorescence data is collected during each cycle, typically at the extension phase, and plotted as an amplification curve (fluorescence vs. cycle number).

· Ct Value: The cycle threshold (Ct), the cycle at which fluorescence exceeds a baseline, indicates the initial amount of target nucleic acid. Lower Ct values correspond to higher starting quantities.

· Software: The QuantStudio 6 is controlled via integrated software (accessible through a touchscreen interface or connected PC), which processes data, generates amplification curves, and calculates quantities (absolute or relative quantification). It supports applications like gene expression analysis, pathogen detection, and SNP genotyping.

· Temperature and Optical Precision:

· VeriFlex Technology: The QuantStudio 6 features multiple independently controlled thermal zones in the block (e.g., 6 zones), allowing optimization of annealing temperatures for different primers in a single run (gradient PCR).

· Calibration: The system uses factory-calibrated optics and dyes, with minimal recalibration needed, reducing waste and ensuring consistent results.

· Applications and Flexibility:

· The system supports various qPCR applications, including:

· Gene expression analysis (relative quantification using reference genes).

· Pathogen detection (e.g., viral load quantification).

· Genotyping (e.g., SNP detection using TaqMan assays).

· High-resolution melt (HRM) analysis (for mutation detection, if supported).

· It accommodates multiple sample formats (0.1 mL or 0.2 mL tubes, plates) and is compatible with a wide range of chemistries (e.g., SYBR Green, TaqMan, or other probe-based assays).

Key Operational Features

· Multiplexing: Detects up to 5–6 targets in a single reaction, reducing sample and reagent use.

· Automation Compatibility: Can integrate with robotic liquid handlers for high-throughput workflows.

· Cloud Connectivity: Data can be stored and analyzed via Thermo Fisher’s Connect platform for remote access.

· Energy Efficiency: Designed to use up to 26% less energy than comparable systems, with reduced material waste.

Summary The QuantStudio 6 operates by amplifying nucleic acids through thermal cycling, detecting amplification in real time via fluorescence, and analyzing data to quantify DNA/RNA. Its precision thermal control (Peltier-based), advanced optical system (LED and multi-channel detection), and flexible software enable high-throughput, accurate, and versatile qPCR applications.

If you need details on specific protocols, applications, or troubleshooting, let me know!

(N/A if not applicable):

Can be used as a stand-alone system.

· Aluminum or aluminum alloys: The thermal block, which holds the sample tubes or plates (e.g., 96-well or 384-well formats), is typically made of aluminum due to its excellent thermal conductivity and lightweight nature. The block may be anodized or coated to enhance durability and prevent corrosion.

· Peltier elements: The QuantStudio 6 uses Peltier-based thermoelectric cooling/heating for precise temperature control. These elements are typically made of bismuth telluride or similar semiconductor materials encased in ceramic plates.

· Optical System:

· Glass or optical-grade plastics: The optical components, such as lenses or filters used for fluorescence detection, are likely made of high-quality glass or specialized polymers (e.g., PMMA or polycarbonate) designed for clarity and minimal autofluorescence.

· LEDs and photodetectors: The excitation source (e.g., white LEDs in OptiFlex technology) and detection systems may include materials like gallium arsenide or silicon for the electronic components.

· Touchscreen Interface:

· Tempered glass or reinforced plastic: The capacitive touchscreen is likely made of tempered glass or a durable plastic layer to withstand frequent use and cleaning with laboratory-grade disinfectants.

· Internal Electronics:

· Printed circuit boards (PCBs): Made of fiberglass-reinforced epoxy (e.g., FR-4) with copper traces for electrical connectivity.

· Wiring and connectors: Copper or copper alloys with plastic insulation for internal wiring.

· Microprocessors and sensors: Silicon-based chips and various metal alloys for sensors that monitor temperature, fluorescence, and other parameters.

· Consumable Interfaces:

· Plastic components: Parts that interface with consumables (e.g., sample trays or block covers) are likely made of chemically resistant plastics like polypropylene or polyethylene to withstand exposure to reagents and cleaning agents.

· Silicone or rubber seals: Gaskets or seals around the block or lid may use silicone or similar elastomers to ensure a tight fit and prevent contamination.

/End of Notice/