1_-_Brand_Name_Only.docx

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition:

Brand Name at or Below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Project Title: KingFisher Flex for developing Norovirus Therapeutics and Vaccines

A. Total estimated dollar value of the requirement (including options, if applicable): 48187.50 B. Period of performance, inclusive of options: No POP – Supply order. ETA 30 days from award C. Project Background: The Caliciviruses Section in the Laboratory of Infectious Disease (LID) focuses their research on Noroviruses in the Caliciviridae, which are a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in all age groups. One of the major specific areas of research in our laboratory is to develop experimental systems in which to study norovirus replication and immunity. The inability to grow the human noroviruses associated with acute gastroenteritis has been a major research obstacle. We have conducted comparative studies among diverse members of the Caliciviridae to learn common themes in calicivirus replication that will inform our understanding of the human noroviruses.

D. Description of the supplies/services to be purchased:

· We are requesting the purchase of a KingFisher Flex Purification System (Thermo Fisher Scientific).

· KingFisher Flex Purification System, 96 Plate KingFisher 96DW plate, Catalog number 5400630 https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/5400610

· Manufacturer is Life Technologies Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Grand island New York.

· This robot utilizes magnetic bead separation technology, that we have identified as optimal for extracting human norovirus RNA from clinical samples. We are requesting this machine because it is compatible with the magnetic bead technology and reagents that we currently use.

I. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition (SELECT ONE)

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

II. 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) Life Technologies (Thermo Fisher Scientific) 3175 Staley Rd Grand Island, NY 14072

See market research for multiple distributors.

B. Describe why only the requested brand or brand name feature of the supply/service will meet the government’s needs This machine also allows the operator to write specific programs for the cycles, and allows multiple plate sizes (most notably, 96 wells) to be used. These are all features that we require for this robot.

Life Technologies/Thermo Fisher is the original manufacturer of this equipment. This equipment is a registered trademark of this company. The Caliciviruses Section requires fully operational equipment, such as a high throughput nucleic acid extraction system, to continue to perform research and to maintain the integrity of the materials used in the research. The equipment needs to be purchased. The technology will permit improved ability to develop anti-norovirus therapy. This instrument is a newer version of what we currently use and to ensure continuity of our research, we require the upgraded version of the came piece of equipment. Our current instrument is currently starting to malfunction and is on the verge of becoming inoperable. We also have thousands of dollars’ worth of reagents and supplies that are compatible this new instrument.