Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition redacted.pdf

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

Project Title: Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing Analysis

I. Identification of the agency and contracting activity

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

AMBIS Sequence number for this requirement: _

Total estimated dollar value of the requirement (including options, if applicable): ______________

B. Period of performance, inclusive of options: 6-8 weeks after samples pass the initial QC

C. 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. By characterizing the gut microbiota using shotgun metagenomics sequencing, this approach will provide a better understanding of how the changes of gut microbiota taxonomic and functional roles are associated with parasite burden of helminth infected host.

D. Project Description

The Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases is requesting Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing Analysis service for the extracted stool DNA collected from helminth infected individuals to identify the changes of gut microbiota taxonomic and functional roles that are associated with parasite burden.

III. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition (SELECT

ONE)

☒ 41 USC 253(c)(1) and FAR Part 6.302-1: Only one responsible source

☐ 41 USC 501 and FAR Part 8.405-6: 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) and FAR Part 6.302-2: Unusual & compelling urgency

☐ 41 USC 253(c)(3) and FAR Part 6.302-3: Industrial mobilization; or engineering, developmental, or research capability; or expert services

☐ 41 USC 253(c)(4) and FAR Part 6.302-4: International agreement

☐ 41 USC 253(c)(5) and FAR Part 6.302-5: Authorized or required by statute

☐ 41 USC 253(c)(6) and FAR Part 6.302-6: National security

☐ 41 USC 253(c)(7) and FAR Part 6.302-7: 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)

Psomagen, Inc.

1330 Piccard Drive, Ste 103

Rockville, MD 20850

USA

Phone: +1 301-251-1007

TIN: 20-1950326

DUNS: 60-339-8046

https://psomagen.com

B. Describe why only the requested supply/service will meet the government’s needs

Shotgun metagenomic sequencing analysis is necessary to comprehensively sample all genes in all organisms present in the given samples, and also to determine the bacterial diversity, compositional and functional changes in response to various infections including parasitic infections.

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

Psomagen Inc. is the only contractor that can be used for this project to ensure consistency of experimental results and for timely provision of services during COVID-19. Psomagen Inc. has been used by the LPD for previous projects and this set of analysis is needed to compare results and extend the research.

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.