Brand Name Justification 2002704.docx

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

Project Title: Purchase of a SteraMist Surface Unit from TOMI Environmental Solutions.

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 The NIAID Microbiome Program is a collaborative effort to explore the metaorganism – the combination of the cells of a host and the host’s microbiota. The program has developed a microbiome sequencing facility with bioinformatics support, a gnotobiotic mouse facility, and a microbiology core that are all tasked with studying the metaorganism. The program has already supported research of over 35 groups across the National Institutes of Health, who study the metaorganism in the context of health, cancer, parasitic infection, and many other disease states. In order to conduct these studies on human and murine samples, we extensively use germ free and gnotobiotic mice housed in gnotobiotic isolators in our facility.

The Gnotobiotic Animal Facility of the NIAID Microbiome Program has recently purchased an Allentown Sentry SPP cage and rack system as well as a biological safety cabinet with a sealed transfer chamber (Allentown SC Plus Biosafety Cabinet) to perform out of isolator experimental manipulation of germ free or gnotobiotic mice. In order to be able to disinfect/decontaminate efficiently the transfer chamber of the Biosafety Cabinet, we need to purchase a SteraMist Surface Unit from Tomi Environmental Solutions.

III. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition ☒ 41 USC 253(c)(1) and FAR Part 6.302-1: Only one responsible source

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) Tomi Environmental Solutions 9454 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90212-2937

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

The SteraMist Surface Unit is a spray misting disinfection unis that can be adapted to small enclosure. This Unit is perfectly adapted for disinfecting/decontaminating the transfer chamber of the Biosafety Cabinet in which germ-free and gnotobiotic mice will be manipulated and is currently used by multiple gnotobiotic animal facility across the United States. This system is the ultimate tool in disinfecting any space and uses SteraMist brand of products. In addition, Tomi Environmental Solutions’ SteraMist technology offers:

· a visual mist that moves like a gas.

· a touchless application disinfection/decontamination solution.

· a quick drying time – no wipe, no rinse, no residue.

· no blistering of paint and silver ion free.

· a compatible with surfaces commonly found in life sciences research facilities, including rubbers, finished surfaces, and all electronic devices.

· and proven efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms (bacterial spores and gram-negatives bacteria, viruses).

C. Describe why only the proposed contractor is capable of providing the requested supply/service SteraMist Surface Unit used SteraMist Binary Ionization Technology (BIT) patented by TOMI Environmental Solutions. BIT is a patented two-step process that activates a low concentration hydrogen peroxide solution producing a fine mist that contains a high concentration of Reactive Oxidative Species (ROS). ROS deactivate and kill problem microorganisms, including spores that are often a source of contamination of germ-free and gnotobiotic mice. The unique physiochemistry of the Activated Ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (AIHP) allows these ROS to exist in high concentrations without rapidly recombining and losing their reactivity.