Attachment_1_SON_CSS_75N91024Q00141..pdf

STATEMENT OF NEED (SON)

1.0 TITLE

Purchase of a Brand Name or Equal Thermotron Cytogenetic Drying System

2.0 BACKGROUND

The Genetics Branch of the Center for Cancer Research at the National Cancer Institute is engaged in the study of cancer genetics. Investigating genetic alterations and its effect on the development and biology of cancer is an integral function of the research. This involves deciphering structural variants and copy number changes using advanced cytogenetic techniques like Spectral Karyotyping (SKY) and multiplex interphase FISH (miFISH) which are highly dependent on optimal metaphase chromosome preparations.

Currently the Genetics Branch’s most crucial instrument for preparing cytogenetic preparations, specifically metaphase chromosomes on slides, is a Thermotron CDS-5 Cytogenetic Drying Station. SKY and FISH analyses are based and highly dependent on well-spread and clean chromosome metaphase spreads which can only be achieved reproducibly and reliably by dropping the chromosome preparations within the cytogenetic drying chamber, that tightly regulates temperature and humidity. The Genetics Branch’s current CDS-5 Cytogenetic Drying Station is thirty (30) years old and has experienced a critical failure and is now beyond repair.

Therefore, the Genetics Branch is in urgent need of a new Brand Name or Equal Thermotron CDS-5 in order to continue their cytogenetic operations and provide their Principal Investigator’s (PI) with state-of the-art metaphase chromosome images and analyses contributing important angles and unique information to complex and multi-faceted cancer research projects.

3.0 TYPE OF ORDER

This is a Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order.

4.0 BRAND NAME OR EQUAL

This requirement is for one (1) Brand Name or Equal Thermotron CDS-5 Cytogenetic Drying Station. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provision 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (AUG 1999) is applicable to this requirement.

5.0 SPECIAL ORDER REQUIREMENTS

5.1 PRODUCT FEATURES/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS

The following product features/characteristics are required for this requirement:

5.1.1 One (1) Brand Name or Equal Thermotron Cytogenetic Drying System (CDS-5)

1. Exterior dimensions: In order to fit into the space occupied by the previous instrument, the cytogenetic drying chamber shall not exceed 112 cm x 75 cm x 145 cm (W x D x H).

2. Interior dimensions: The interior dimensions should not be smaller than 68 cm x 43 cm x 46 cm to allow for enough workspace and height.

3. Temperature range and control: The drying chamber should allow for a temperature range from +20 to +40°C and a temperature control of ±0.3°C throughout the workspace.

4. Humidity range and control: The drying chamber should allow for a relative humidity from 25% to 75% and a humidity control of ±3% relative humidity throughout the workspace.

5. Airflow: The drying chamber should limit the effects of inconsistent airflow in the slide preparation area by using internal floor and ceiling air baffles.

6. Refrigeration gauges, humidity water supply/waste tanks and an adjustable exhaust vent shall be included.

7. Equipment must come with a certificate of calibration (temperature and humidity control) should be provided.

8. Ergonomic and user-friendly configuration:

a. The front panel must have a clear window no smaller than 80 cm x 56 cm in order to provide users with good visibility of the slides being handled.

b. The chamber should have arm ports with iris openings allowing for easy and ergonomical handling of slides.

c. The chamber needs to have an interior light to provide additional visibility over the workspace.

d. The front panel needs to open and close easily so supplies can be loaded into the chamber by laboratory staff.

e. The chamber must come with or be able to be equipped with casters with leveling pads so that it can be easily wheeled to different locations.

f. There should be two half depth stainless steel shelves inside the chamber on the backside for storage of slides and supplies.

5.2 WARRANTY

In addition to the Implied warranty contained in FAR Clause 52.212-4, quoters are encouraged to provide express warranties. At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide a 12-month warranty or longer from date of final installation on all equipment and associated items provided under, or as a part of this purchase order. The warranty shall include repair and or replacement of parts, including travel, labor, and materials, at no additional cost to the Government. The warranty shall not exclude or limit the Governments rights for an implied warranty as established in the terms and conditions of clause 52.212-4.

5.3 DELIVERY / INSTALLATION

Delivery of all items quoted shall be delivered within eighty-nine (89) calendar days after receipt of order. All shipping/handling shall be FOB Destination, and delivery/installation fees shall be included in the quote. Upon delivery, the Contractor shall notify the respective NCI Technical Point of Contacts (TPOC), TBD at award, to schedule installation dates and times. Installation shall occur within five (5) business days of delivery, and shall be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified technician.

Equipment shall be delivered to and installed at the following address:

NIH Main Campus 37 Convent Drive Bldg. 37, Bethesda MD 20892

4.3.1 DELIVERY GUIDEANCE

The Contractors shall communicate and follow instructions from the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) to coordinate delivery, installation, and removal of trade-in equipment.

The Contractor shall direct all courier and delivery services – including those not operated by the Contractor (e.g. FedEx, USPS, UPS) – to follow the instructions in this section.

All companies delivering to the NIH main campus must comply with Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF) access procedures. Upon arrival, the CVIF will provide a list of buildings and loading docks to delivery personnel.

Deliveries will be logged in at the loading dock, and the loading dock contractor or Government personnel will attempt to contact the TPOC listed on the package. In the event that the TPOC is unable to accept the package, the delivery shall not be left at the loading dock station. The delivery must be returned to the Contractor, and the Contractor must coordinate with the TPOC to deliver on another date at no additional cost.

Deliveries can only be made between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday – Friday, excluding federal holidays.

5.4 TRAINING

The Contractor shall provide one (1) training sessions for a minimum of four (4) NCI staff per session. Training shall be on-site and shall take place within seven (7) days of equipment installation. Training shall be facilitated by a factory-trained product specialist. Training will include an overview of setup approaches, maintaining instrument settings, establishing operational voltages, and software usage for custom instrument configurations, as well as a demonstration of the performance. All training expenses, including materials and/or travel expenses, shall be included in the quoted price.

6.0 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Pursuant to FAR Clause 52.212-4, all items, services, materials, or supplies to be provided by the Contractor in relation to this Purchase Order are subject to final inspection and acceptance by an authorized representative of the Government. The authorized representative of the Government is the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC).

7.0 TECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACT

The Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) is responsible for inspection and acceptance of all work in relation to this requirement and will serve as the Governments primary point of contact throughout the duration of the requirement. All efforts must be coordinated with this individual.

The TPOC for this requirement is:

T.B.D. (upon award)

Note: The TPOC has limited authority as defined within this Statement of Need. They do not have the authority to commit or obligate Government funds or make changes to the terms and conditions of the purchase order. As such, any changes to the purchase order must be performed by a warranted Government Contracting Officer with appropriate delegated authority to do so.