FAR 13 Under SAT Justification.pdf

SOLE SOURCE or BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION (FAR 13 Under the SAT)

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUPPLIES/SERVICES REQUIRED

The Genomics Team at the Pacific Northwest Research Station has spent years developing an environmental monitoring assay. The basic process analyzes DNA from environmental samples and runs them through a proprietary protocol on the Fluidigm Access Array™ instrument (https://www.fluidigm.com/products/access-array Service #1). This instrument performs 2,304 simultaneous enzymatic reactions, labels the products of the reactions, and then elutes the products for DNA sequencing on a next-generation DNA sequencer (Illumina NovaSeq 6000 (https://www.illumina.com/systems/sequencing-platforms/novaseq.html Service # 2). The specific need is to identify a vendor who can provide both services (AccessArray amplification and NovaSeq sequencing). The University of Illinois Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center has been identified as the best facility to perform Fluidigm amplification of our eDNA samples. Once the facility receives the eDNA samples in a project the turnover time to delivery of data files is approximately 6-8 weeks. Total cost for a 21 plate project is expected to be $64,041.76.

2. JUSTIFICATION FOR SOLICITING FROM A SINGLE SOURCE or FOR A BRAND NAME

Many vendors offer DNA sequencing, but very few laboratories offer Fluidigm Access Array amplification as a service. These devices are very rare, and only three vendors have been identified in the U.S. who offer this service – the University of Idaho “IBEST” facility, the University of California, Davis, UCDavis Genome Center, and the University of Illinois Roy J. Carver Center.

In 2017 and 2018, the Genomics Team tried using the IBEST facility, which was the least expensive of the facilities available at that time. The results showed that IBEST lacked the expertise to manage the complexities of the specific experiments (metagenomic sequence; high-level sample multiplexing). Some of the data received back was not useable and resulted in a costly loss of samples with nothing to show for the effort. In 2018 it was decided to try the University of Illinois Roy J. Carver Center as they had the equipment and the exact expertise needed to analyze these complex samples, they routinely: (1) analyze multi-species screens of environmental samples; and (2) provide high level sample multiplexing with quality controlled reagents. The Roy J. Carver Center was sent a small batch of samples that resulted in high quality data, that meets the standards of the research being conducted by the Genomics Team.

To avoid repeating preliminary work (which would accrue additional costs and labor) to develop specialized protocol at a different facility it is the desire of the Genomics Team to establish a series of contracts with the University of Illinois Roy J. Carver Center. The Roy J. Carver center was recently awarded two contracts to perform these services (Contract # 1240BG21P0008, and 1240BG21p0023). This work included hundreds of samples submitted as study batches. Each study set is equivalent to ~10-20 plates of 48 samples amplified on the Access Array at a time followed by sequencing on the NovaSeq for subsequent bioinformatic analysis. We received quality data back and were very happy with the professional service provided by this facility. The current request will add one more 21 plate project to a current contract.

3. EFFORTS TO OBTAIN COMPETITION

After extensive internet research we identified one other vendor (in addition to our original vendor iBEST and the Carver Center) and requested a bid from the UCDavis Genome Center.

Unfortunately their response was that they are not currently offering services on the Fluidigm Access Array as their lab is presently dedicated to running COVID testing for the UCD campus.

Summary of comparative costs:

Item Vendor 1 (preferred) Roy J. Carver Center of Biotechnology, University of Illinois

Vendor 2, IBEST, University of Idaho

Vendor 3, UCDavis Genome Center, University of California, Davis

Fluidigm Access Array 48.48 amplification

$1983 each array $1441.82 each array Not available for outside services at this time due to campus demand

Quality check DNA $104 each library/run -- DNA Sequencing, Illumina NovaSeq

$3,440 each sequencing lane on each run

Not available overhead 31.9% --

4. STEPS TO PRECLUDE FUTURE SINGLE SOURCE (or BRAND NAME) AWARDS

Periodically we will see if these services are available from other vendors.

5. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S DETERMINATION

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b) that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is available for the required services.

Requesting Office:

NAME

Title

Concur/Does Not Concur:

NAME

Contracting Officer