SSJ_Final - Redacted.pdf

This is a Determination & Findings (D&F) document justifying a single-source procurement for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Eglin Air Force Base.

The contracting activity is procuring one Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) System—specifically bioMérieux's GENE-UP—a pathogen detection system that provides comparable PCR-based analytical capabilities, workflows, and technologies required to meet the laboratory's accredited scope of testing. The determination is justified under RFO 12.102(a) (Commercial Products and Services), citing that only one source is available. Market research conducted by AFRL/RWTSH confirmed bioMérieux, Inc. is the only responsible source capable of fulfilling requirements, as the proprietary GENE-UP is the only commercially available platform offering the necessary range of third-party validated food safety assays on a real-time PCR-based machine. Alternative platforms, such as Applied Biosystems' ABI 7500, are unsuitable due to scheduled manufacturer discontinuation in 2027, conflicting with the laboratory's long-term operational needs. The GENE-UP system utilizes proprietary, closed-system software and specialized testing reagents exclusively manufactured and distributed by bioMérieux with no authorized third-party vendors or licensing agreements. Government searches of ECAT, GSA, and AbilityOne confirmed these products and services are unavailable through those channels. The Intent to Sole Source (IASS) posting on SAM.gov yielded zero responses from other capable vendors, and the award to bioMérieux represents the only viable pathway to maintain USAFSAM's ISO 17025 accredited outbreak response capabilities. The determination was approved by Contracting Officer Chris M. Stokes on July 8, 2026.