BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION.docx

Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition 41 USC 1901(e)(2) and FAR Part 13.106-1(b): Brand Name Only Due to continuity protocols, as well as compatibility, the Cellaca PLX High throughput-high speed cell counting system brand is required. Experiments in progress in the lab and with collaborators have been conducted using this instrument and the lab must continue to use this brand through the life cycle of the studies to avoid introducing outside variables resulting in corruption of our experiments. This brand is required as it will be used simultaneously with another, and with collaborators.

Changing instruments now would compromise the continuity of the experiments and prevent comparison of data between the labs and our collaborators, it will also compromise the progress and integrity of our research.