1919728_brand_Flow_Cytometer_posting.docx

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition Brand Name At or Below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold Project title: CytoFlex System

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 B. Period of performance, inclusive of options: 9/30/2018 C. Project Background The Autoimmunity and Functional Genomics Section, at the Laboratory of Immunogenetics, NIAID focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of autoimmune diseases such as Lupus. In our research it is essential that we be able to properly assess various surface markers expression on the primary and culture cells during inflammation, autoimmune disease or after cellular activation with various stimuli. It also requires processing a large number of samples regularly. The best way to do this is to use Flow Cytometry Technology with at least eight color detection capabilities. We need a benchtop analyzer to complete all of these requirements.

D. Description of the supplies / services to be purchased The instrument must be able to perform at least eight color detection capabilities. We need a benchtop analyzer that can perform at a minimum of 8 color analysis with the use of 3 lasers at Blue, Red, and Violet. The cytometer will also need the flexibility to expand with the Lab’s growth and its future application needs. The CytoFlex analyzer from Beckman Coulter with a small footprint will not occupy a lot of space while still providing high sensitivity. Upon delivery, the system will come with fluorescent filters capable of detecting 13 different fluorochromes, allowing us the flexibility to select different filters based on the fluorochromes we chose to use. High sensitivity and fluorescence resolution are indispensable criteria for our testing. The CytoFlex offers 24 bits and 7 decades of resolution and this will give the ability to resolve dim populations. Also, the innovative technology of the CytoFlex utilizing Avalanche Photodiode detectors will offer us a superior sensitivity. The CytoFlex Flow cytometer with a plate loader (Manufacturer, Beckman Coulter) has all the specifications for our need. The CytoFlex Flow Cytometer with a plate loader (Manufacturer, Beckman Coulter) will replace an older version of the Flow-Cytometer machine from BD Biosciences which the AFGS, LIG has been using for more than 10 years and now does not work properly.