A16_BioRad_CFX_96_Optical_Sole_Source_Redacted_1.pdf

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION FOR ACQUISITION UNDER THE

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

1. Contracting Agency and Activity. The Department of the Interior, United States Geological

Survey, plans to contract on a sole source basis. This document sets forth the justification and approval as required by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1).

2. Nature of Action Being Approved. A new contract for a CFX96 Optical Reaction Module demo unit to repair Bio-Rad CFX-96 quantitative PCR (qPCR) instrument for the USGS

Columbia Environmental Research (CERC) with Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

3. Description of Supplies or Services. The CERC requires immediate replacement of their

CFX96 Optical Reaction Module for their qPCR machine. This module converts a C1000 Touch

Thermal Cycler into a real-time PCR system. This six-channel system combines advanced optical technology with precise thermal control. The optical module is required to read data from the reactions.

4. Estimated Dollar Value.

5. Statutory Authority. The proposed action may be awarded on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) – only one source reasonably available.

6. Rationale Supporting Use of Citation in No. 5. CERC’s CFX96 Optical Reaction Module for their qPCR machine malfunctioned and has been determined to be unrepairable. Bio-Rad is the only manufacturer of the compatible optical module. The cost to replace the entire system is estimated at based on the list price quoted for a system with similar capabilities. To replace the entire system would be considerably more expensive than just replacing the malfunctioning optical module.

Currently CERC is in the middle of several projects, and changing systems would require re-optimizing their assays and re-running samples, which would cause unacceptable delays estimated at six months and cause a discontinuity of data for their current projects. CERC has obligations to DOI and partner agencies that require timely, high-quality quantitative PCR measurements. This would impact their obligations to the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, ORDA, and the DoD SERDP program. The CERC laboratory has been using Bio-Rad qPCR instruments since 2010, and the lab needs to easily transfer hardware, methods, and data between systems. Ensuring continuity of data as methods and data will be seamless by replacing the module within the system. To repair the existing equipment would be the most cost and time efficient resolution.

CERC originally tried to have the malfunctioning optical module repaired but the problem was not able to be diagnosed and the module was determined to be unrepairable. Bio-Rad provided a demo unit while attempting to diagnose the malfunction. Bio-Rad has offered to provide the demo unit at a discount to CERC in order to resume work at their full capacity.

7. Other Information. N/A

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION FOR ACQUISITION UNDER THE

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

8. The Efforts to Identify Additional Sources Including the Market Research Conducted.

The end user confirmed that Bio-Rad Laboratories does not offer a lease program for this module and the demo unit is noted to be in new condition. Bio-Rad Laboratories is the manufacturer of the optical module and the instrument is proprietary of Bio-Rad Laboratories. Current price list provided by Bio-Rad notes list price for this model unit is . Online search results in multiple “used” or “refurbished” CFX96 Optical Reaction Modules from third party sources at a minimum of to . The GSA Advantage list price on for this item is and the current demo unit offered, although discontinued for a new model, is brand new excess inventory for Bio-Rad. This demo unit will repair the system at a cost of which is approximately less than the online options and GSA pricing.

9. Future Plans to Permit Competition. This procurement is expected to be a one-time requirement to address an unexpected repair or replacement. There are no planned acquisitions for or related to this requirement. Adequate market research will be conducted for any future similar requirements and the subsequent acquisitions will be competed.

10. Recommendation and Certification from Program Office

Based on the above, I recommend this acquisition be conducted on the basis of other than full and open competition. I certify that technical data which form a basis for this justification that are the responsibility of technical or requirements personnel are complete and accurate.

11. Certifications from the Contracting Officer:

a. The anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable based on comparison to

GSA pricing for same or similar products.

b. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

12. Approvals