JA Brand Name Aurora 5 Flow Cytometer Redacted.pdf

understanding pathogenesis of allergic inflammation; of induction of lymphocyte effector functions in tissues; and to identify novel immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory approaches to the treatment of allergic and immunologic disorders. The information gained by these studies will benefit public health by providing a better understanding of how lymphocytes respond to foreign substances, and as to how adverse responses to self, such as auto-immune diseases, are avoided. Such an understanding will be of great importance in treatment strategies for various allergic diseases and autoimmune diseases. Cytek Aurora machine is invaluable in this effort as it can simultaneously provide data on many of the surface markers and protein expression in T and other lymphoid cell involved in the study of allergic diseases, which markedly improves data collection. These instruments are heavily used and are the essential devices to the ongoing research efforts of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Procurement history for Cytek Aurora 5 Spectral Flow Cytometer include:

Contract/Order No: 75N93021F00265/GS07F5934R Agency: NIH/NIAID Vendor: Government Scientific Source Business Size: small Total Dollar: $699,988.00

Contract/Order No: 75N93020F00005/HHSN263201000064B Agency: NIH/NIAID Vendor: Government Scientific Source Business Size: small Total Dollar: $383,167.00

Contract/Order No: 75N93019P01212 Agency: NIH/NIAID Vendor: Cytek Biosciences Inc.

Business Size: small Total Dollar: $295,430.00

Contract/Order No: 75N93019P01153 Agency: NIH/NIAID Vendor: Cytek Biosciences Inc.

Business Size: small Total Dollar: $275,875.00

3. Description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value).

a. Project title.

Cytek Aurora 5 Spectral Flow Cytometer

b. Project description.

The LAD is supporting the role of transforming growth factor Beta (TGFbeta) in Promoting Allergic Inflammation AI001203 and Pathogenesis of Food Allergy AI001202. The prevalence and severity of food allergy and other allergic diseases is rising globally. Little is known regarding factors that account for this increase. Genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the development of food allergy and other allergic diseases. The LAD goal is to better identify and elucidate specific cellular pathophysiological pathways which may promote allergic diseases. The aim is to develop more effective strategies that will improve clinical treatment for the allergic patients.

Patient with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome (LDS), an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the genes encoding the receptor for TGFb, TGFBRI and TGFBR2, are at significantly increased risk of developing nearly all forms of allergic disease. Studying cells from mice harboring the knocked-in gene mutations have been very instructive in demonstrating the role of a variety of cell related pathways in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Requirement type.

Research & development (R&D) R & D support services Support services (non-R&D)

X Supplies/equipment Information technology (IT) Construction Architect-engineer (A & E) services Design-build Other (specify):

Type of action.

X New requirement Follow-on Other (specify): ______________________

Proposed contract/order type.

X Firm-fixed-price Other fixed-price (specify, e.g., fixed-price award-fee, fixed-price incentive-fee): __________ Cost-plus-fixed-fee Other cost reimbursement (specify, e.g., cost-plus-award-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee): ___________ Time and materials Indefinite delivery (specify whether indefinite quantity, definite quantity or requirements): ___________ Other (specify): ___________ Completion Form Term form with a 96 well auto-sampler. The Spectral flow cytometry differs from conventional flow cytometry in that it collects information across the full spectrum of viable light for each dye, rather than collecting emission of each dye by a single detector with a narrow wavelength window. This technology allows for better autofluorescence correction which is important when performing flow cytometry on eosinophils and alveolar macrophages, which are central players in allergic disease research. The SpectroFlo software offers intuitive software from QC to data analysis and the full spectrum capture enables the use of the novel unmixing algorithms for the further data analysis. It uses proprietary 16- channel semiconductor detector arrays quipped to capture the emission spectra of dyes that emit in the 400 to 900-nm wavelength range.

For LAD researchers, the ability to use/analyze up to 64 colors simultaneously with fluorochromes with separation as little as 10nm in their peak emission eliminated the need to set fluorescence overlap compensations. Elimination of individual PMT/optical filters for each fluorochrome, often a design on other flow cytometers, which will allow LAD researchers to design complex, bigger panel designs by using more fluorochromes and fluorescent proteins. In particular, fluorochrome that have similar peak emission can now be used with Cytek Aurora Spectral Cytometer. Ability for LAD Researchers to use more dyes and dyes with similar max emission that are not normally possible together (i.e. FITC and GFP because it collects spectral information across all channels, not just the maximum peak, and then unmixes them), reduces the need to collect larger patient samples. Elimination of PMT and optical filters in high multicolor experiments, will save on machine set up time with the Cytek Aurora 5 as compared with traditional flow machines.

Second, due to more photons collected per event and elimination of data spreading due to compensation, LAD researchers will obtain better data with excellent resolutions and improved sensitivity between sample populations with the Cytek Aurora 5.

Third, as Aurora’s software can extract background auto-fluorescence, this will help tremendously with data interpretation for samples that may have increased auto-fluorescence for the detection of dim fluorescent samples.

Additionally, volumetric capabilities of the Aurora allow instant population concentration data compared to using expensive counting beads and then the need to calculate concentrations for each sample. This would be a time saver.

Lastly, some other advantages to consider will be Aurora’s small footprint needing less committed space in an overcrowded lab.

6. Description of the efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable. Indicate whether a FedBizOpps notice was or will be publicized as required by FAR Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under FAR 5.202 applies

As required by FAR Subpart 5.2, a https://SAM.gov combined synopsis / solicitation will be publicized and cited as a commercial item purchase (as stated in FAR Part 12) with the authority to use simplified procedures for certain commercial items as authorized in FAR 13.500(a). In accordance with FAR 5.102(a)(6), a brand name justifications will be published with the solicitation.

7. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost/price to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

a. Certified Cost and Pricing Data will not be required in accordance with FAR 15.403-1(b)(2) because this is a commercial item.

b. The contractor will be required to submit a price proposal, which will be compared to current commercial prices.

c. An independent government estimate is based on commercial pricing with NIH applicable discounts.

8. Description of the market research conducted (see FAR Part 10) and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

Market research was completed August 20, 2021 as the Contract Specialist viewed the Required Sources, Federal Supply Schedules, NIH Strategic Sources and Commercial Websites and the products are available through open market with two (2) small businesses. Based on the market research, it is determined that there is adequate small business competition through the open marketplace to provide the required products.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

Not applicable.

10. Listing of sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

No other sources expressed interest in the proposed acquisition. All sources who respond will be considered. A determination not to compete this acquisition, based upon responses to the Contract Opportunity solicitation, is solely within the discretion of the Government.

11. Statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the required supplies or services.

It is the policy of NIAID to promote the use of competitive procedures whenever and wherever possible. In an effort to remove or overcome barriers to competition in the future, the market will be scanned frequently for new companies and products that could satisfy the Government’s requirement. The LAD staff meets periodically to discuss various changes to scientific products and processes. Vendor, trade magazines, and scientific publications are scanned for new, open scientific changes that can satisfy various on-going protocols. The agency will continually re-evaluate for spectral flow cytometers, and will continue to research the various manufactures and products that could be in the Government’s best interest. The current situation requires an Cytek Aurora brand which currently satisfies agency requirements. Since there is a continual re-evaluation to products currently being used by the agency for the present requirement, if/when alternatives become available, they will be evaluated for use.