AG-3JL0-S-17-0003_Sole_Source_Jusification2.docx

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. CONTRACTING ACTIVITY: USDA, ARS, NORTH ATLANTIC AREA

Eastern Regional Research Center 600 East Mermaid Lane Wyndmoor, PA 19038-8598

2. NATURE/DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: The Government intends to enter into a firm-fixed price purchase order to purchase two complete Bioreactor systems.

3. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES: Purchase of two complete Bioreactor systems capable of running in parallel or as single units. The systems we are looking to purchase are the Eppendorf Bioflow 320 system which consists of: Two each of: BIOFLO_320_CS Configurable BioFlo 320 System, One each of Related Device: Pos 20, Item No: 1379963011, 1379963211 Left Han/4 Pump, 1379501011 Sparge, 1 TMFC @ 0.002-1.0 SLPM, 1379963511 No Overlay, 1379963611 2nd Sensor Module, 1379963911 No Optical pH Module, 1379964011 Equipment Connection Module, M1379-9906 Touchscreen Monitor Bundle, Related Device: Pos 100, Item No: P0600-5260, P0600-5260 Touchscreen Monitor, M1379-8050 Touchscreen Cable Kit, 1M, Four each of P0720-6657 Ph/Redox Sensor, ISM, 12/225mm, M1379-8108 Cable, ISM Sensor, 1 m, Two each of: P0720-6660 Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor, 220mm, M1379-8107 Cable, Optical DO ISM Sensor, 1 m, One each of: P0720-5950 AUTOCLAVABLE TURBIDITY sensor, 297MM, P0720-2430 5M TURBIDITY CABLE, P0620-6571 Turbidity Transmitter, Two each of : M1379-1005 Direct Drive Vessel Assemblies, 1L, water-jacketed, M1379-1015 Direct Drive Impeller Kits, 1L Pitched-Blade, M1379-0800 Motor Assemblies, Direct Drive Motor, autoclavable vessels, M1379-0115 Vessel Connection Kit, and one each of 901513620 Install Bioprocessing.

The twin bioreactor systems will be used to study the gut microbiota, with one reactor set up as a control and the second as an experimental system. These reactors will be run using anaerobic and/or microaerophilic conditions, therefore having an accurate way to measure and maintain these environmental conditions is important.

4. STATUTORY AUTHORITY: FAR 6.230-3, only one responsible source and no other supplies or service will satisfy agency requirements. 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(3).

* 5. DEMONSTRATION OF CONTRACTOR'S UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS:

The Eppendorf Bioflow 320 system is the only system commercially available that is an automated, computer controlled system capable of controlling up to 8 bioreactors that can have a turbidity and gas analyzer connected to each reactor. The Eppendorf Bioflow 320 system is the only system with water-jacketed temperature control, a DO probe capable of reading down to 5-50ppb (able to maintain anaerobic conditions and microaerophilic conditions 0- 5% oxygen), 4 pumps (with the option to add additional pumps), 2 gas inlet (with the option to add in more inlets), with a re-usable and autoclavable glass vessel between 0.5-3 L in size. This is also the only system that offers not only single use sterile bioreactors at the 0.5-3L size, but also in a 40L size.

* 6. FEDERAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY (FBO) ANNOUNCEMENT /POTENTIAL SOURCES: A FBO announcement was issued on December 2, 2016.

7. DETERMINATION OF FAIR AND REASONABLE COST: Cost is determined to be fair and reasonable due to published list prices.

* 8. MARKET SURVEY:

The following are a few other systems that were considered and why they are not suited for our purchase:

Labfors 5 has an electric heating system and not water jacketed.

Labfors 5 has only 2 gas ports.

Labfors 5 system only has a vessel volume of either 1.5-5 L or 7 L.

Sartorius Biostat B only up to a 10 L working volume. Sartorius single use bioreactor volume only available from .6 to 2 L volume.

WAVE25 has the ability to go up to a 25 L vessel, however, does not have the propeller for mixing. Instead uses rocking motion.

WAVE25 can only have up to 2 units.

WAVE25 has only 2 gas pumps.

Lambda minifor has only a .3 -7 L vessel.

Lambda minifor does not have a water jacketed vessel.

The GE healthcare XDR 50L minimum vessel volume is 24 L.

* 9. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT: N/A

*10. OTHER INTERESTED SOURCES: N/A

11. ACTIONS TAKEN TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO COMPETITION: The Government will make every effort when acquiring a follow-on purchase order to look into barriers restricting competition.