Brand_Name_Justification_FS123Q0117_Redacted.pdf

FWS Form 3-0034 (Rev. 10/2020) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

BRAND NAME

(UNDER SAT)

JOINT ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS

Acquisitions Operations

Pursuant to FAR subpart 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and (ii), for purchases not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), Contracting Officers may solicit from only one source if the circumstances deem only one source is reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization).

1. Description of Need

2. Market Research Conducted

3. Other Capable Sources

Poaching and illegal trade is a growing threat to jaguar (Panthera onca) populations. There is a forensic need to generate novel forensic tools to assist in law enforcement in casework and for investigative purposes to target origins and pathways of illegal trade.

The USFWS, OLE National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NFWFL) Genetic Section, in conjunction with the USFWS International Affairs Program intends to develop a robust genomic database using next-generation sequencing (NGS). This genetic database will be used for law enforcement question such as, species identification, individual matching and geographic origin of jaguar parts found in trade. However, this is a complex and cumbersome endeavor that consist of a multi-step process that requires substantial personal time and costly reagents. Thus, to reduce hands-on-time of NFWFL personal and reduce costly mistakes at the lab bench, the NFWFL needs a fulling automated low throughput (1-24 samples) NGS library prep workstation (with a user friendly GUI interface) and associated accessories (i.e. adapters and consumables).

Eppendorfs epMotion 5073 is a versatile bench-top NGS automated instrument that can be used for prep and pre-sequencing workflows using any leading reagent kits on the market. In addition, they offer the largest repository for validated NGS protocols that can be used to address our current and future need. Also, Eppendorf provides new custom protocol development that can be further adapted for optimization and validation that is required in future forensic workflows.

1. Eppendorf™ epMotion 5073 is the only NGS automated workstation that offers the versatility need to be used for the variety of protocols and consumable kits available in the market that the Genetic Section currently uses. In addition, this system is less expensive compared to other providers with similar systems (same throughput and GUI interface) on the market, Also, this instrument offers the flexibility to use current plastic ware that the Genetics Section uses with other systems reducing the need to buy specialized items.

2. Perkin Elmer Zephyr G2 NGS Work station - Perkin Elmer does not offer diversity of validated protocols than other companies such as Eppendorf. In addition, Zephyr is as not compatible with as many types plastic on the market or currently ordered by the lab adding additional cost to buy specialized plastics.

3. Opentorns OT-2 NGS Workstation - While a lower cost point all protocols are written in python and requires expertize that the current Genetic Section does not have. In addition, the do not offer much in the way of technical expertise including training all would have to be done by lab personal.

For casework quality assurance requirements for lab accreditation requires repairs made by technicians with certification.

3. Takara Apollo NGS workstation - This instrument is only offered in a high throughput version (96 samples).

4. Barriers to Competition

5. Contractor's Qualification

Eppendorf North America, Inc. is the manufacturer and has licensed distributors throughout the US of Eppendorf products in North America, and the sole provider authorized to service all Eppendorf products within the U.S. and Canada. In addition, Eppendorf is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of life science tools and instruments.

Eppendorf products meet the standards set by USFWS and will be compatible with the other Eppendorf equipment already present in the lab. Other brands may not be as compatible and will hinder the performance of the current products used.

There does not exist another type of NGS workstation from other companies that could provide the needed workflow setup, diversity of validated protocols, and versatility with plastics available at the lab and on the market

Eppendorf has the highest standards and for accuracy, reliability, and ergonomic optimization for liquid handling. NFWFL and has a long history of working with Eppendorf. In addition, their instrumentation, protocols, have been validated. As a global company that places high value on collaborative interactions, rapid delivery of solutions, and providing the highest level of quality, Eppendorf strives to meet this challenge. Eppendorf innovative development of instruments, and consumable technologies are fueling groundbreaking advancements in life science research, translational and consumer genomics, and molecular diagnostics.