JOFOC Cytek 2026.pdf

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition at or Below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Project Title: Cytek Aurora Evo

I . Identification of the agency and contracting activity

DHHS, NIH, NIAID, LPD

Requestors name: Mini Varughese Requestors phone number: 301-761-5283 Requestors email address: varughesemm@nih.gov Address of the requesting lab/office: Bldg 4, Bethesda, MD 20892

II. Description of the project, and supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value) A. Type of action. Check the appropriate box:

☒ New requirement ☐ Follow-on

• Name of the previous contractor(s): _

• Sequence number(s), if available:

• Was the initial and any subsequent awards competed? ☐ Yes ☐ No

B. AMBIS Sequence number for this requirement: 2290871 C. Total estimated dollar value of the requirement (including options, if applicable):

___$499,624.96____________ D. Period of performance, inclusive of options:.

E. Project Background

The Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases (LPD) conducts basic and applied research on the prevention, control, and treatment of a variety of parasitic and bacterial diseases of global importance. The work of the group is largely directed toward the identification of immunological and molecular targets for disease intervention. Much of this work is directed at uncovering basic aspects of the host-pathogen interaction in both humans and experimental animal models as well as in the invertebrate vectors that transmit medically important parasites. A common theme in many of the LPD’s research projects is the regulatory environment induced in chronic parasitic and bacterial infection and the identification of determinants of host resistance and pathology. The flow cytometer plays a vital role in assessing immune responsiveness in all sections of LPD. With ongoing clinical trials (currently numbering 20 in the LPD), the need for real time monitoring of patient’s immune parameters is paramount.

F. Project Description The Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases is requesting the purchase of a Cytek Aurora Evo Flow Cytometer for the lab.

III. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition (SELECT ONE) ☒ 41 USC 253(c)(1) a n d F A R P a r t 6 . 3 0 2 - 1 : Only one responsible source ☐ 41 USC 501 a n d F A R P a r t 8 . 4 0 5 - 6 : Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), limited competition

☐ An urgent and compelling need exists, and following the procedures would result in unacceptable delays

☐ Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized; or

☐ In the interest of economy and efficiency, the new work is a logical follow-on to an original Federal Supply Schedule order provided that the original order was placed in accordance with the applicable Federal Supply Schedule ordering procedures. The original order or BPA must not have been previously issued under sole-source or limited-sources procedures.

Important Note: The statutory authorities listed below will rarely ever be used in NIH. Before selecting one of these authorities, please ensure that you have read and understood the citation and discussed it with the cognizant

Contracting Officer.

☐ 41 USC 253(c)(2) a n d F A R P a r t 6 . 3 0 2 - 2 : Unusual & compelling urgency ☐ 41 USC 253(c)(3) a n d F A R P a r t 6 . 3 0 2 - 3 : Industrial mobilization; or engineering, developmental, or research capability; or expert services ☐ 41 USC 253(c)(4) a n d F A R P a r t 6 . 3 0 2 - 4 : International agreement ☐ 41 USC 253(c)(5) a n d F A R P a r t 6 . 3 0 2 - 5 : Authorized or required by statute ☐ 41 USC 253(c)(6) a n d F A R P a r t 6 . 3 0 2 - 6 : National security ☐ 41 USC 253(c)(7) a n d F A R P a r t 6 . 3 0 2 - 7 : Public interest

IV. Demonstration that the proposed contractor(s) unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

A. Name and address of the proposed contractor(s)

Cytek Biosciences Inc.

46107 Landing Parkway Fremont, CA 94538 Phone:(510) 657-0102 . Fax:(510) 657-0151 www.cytekbio.com . email:orders@cytekbio.com

B. Describe why only the requested supply/service will meet the government’s needs This 67 channel flow cytometer system is capable of detecting and resolving greater than 45 different colors of antibodies on a cell. At the same time this device utilizes a fluidic system that enables accurate counting of cell numbers in the samples. The device also has a small footprint and has intuitive and well-developed software for operations and analysis. This model is the only available spectral flow cytometer on the market that allows seamless transferability from the older model already in by all members of the LPD and is housed within the LPD/TIS (Loke). Moreover, this flow cytometer has an the best sample throughput without loss of resolution or sensitivity. This Cytek Aurora Evo is required for mandated real time monitoring of patients enrolled in LPD-associated clinical trials and cannot be accomdated by the existing LPD spectiral flow cytometer given its heavy demand. The instruments will be primarily used for sample analysis of human cells derived from LPD clinical protocols and animal experiments . To ensure timely action on this project the items in this procurement must arrive by 8/11/2026. If these items do not arrive by the specified date then instrument reliability will affect research outcomes invalidating results causing waste of government resources.

C. Describe why only the proposed contractor is capable of providing the requested supply/service.

The Cytek Aurora Evo is needed to maintain consistency of results with the compatible Cytek instrument already in the LPD. Changing instruments would compromise the continuity of the experiments and prevent comparison of data and thereby compromising patient safety.

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

VI. Certification This is to certify that the justification for the proposed acquisition has been reviewed and that to the best of my knowledge and belief the information and/or data provided to support my request (for the requestor) and approval (for the CO) of is accurate and complete.

Official Name & Title Signature Date

Requestor Certification

Mini Varughese Scientific Operations Manager

5/8/2026

Contracting Officer Approval