Special Notice FD25-393.pdf

Special Notice: FD-2025-393

***The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Seafood Inspection Laboratory (NSIL) intends to award, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), With Agilent Technologies, Inc. to procure the following:

● Qty 1 - 4150 TapeStation instrument including software, vortexer, accessories, plastic consumables, user information and I+F. Does not include ScreenTape consumables and reagents.

● Qty 1 - SYS-TS-4150 Tape Station 4150 - Extended Warranty - 5yrs total

The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), National Maine Fisheries services requirement for an Agilent TapeStation 4150 system for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of DNA and RNA samples for ‘Omics analyses at the SEFSC genomics laboratory. A system that can determine both the quality and quantity of DNA and RNA molecules, a critical step in ‘Omics work.

The ability to determine the size, concentration, and integrity of nucleic acids is required for the completion of genomics projects on protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) at the SEFSC. The TapeStation system is needed for quality control of products used in library preparation for next-generation sequencing to conduct ‘Omics studies to inform population stock structure, identify genetic variation and trends, and demographic histories. Its use will enable the fast, cost-effective, and accurate assignment of diverse marine organisms to their population of origin, greatly expanding the lab’s capabilities. For an upcoming project, the system is critical to developing genomic tools for assigning individual bottlenose dolphins to their stock and/or species of origin. Not acquiring the equipment would impact our ability to fulfill NOAA’s MMPA and ESA mandates for multiple marine mammal populations.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

● Electrophoresis system for the quality control of DNA and RNA molecules by performing quantitative and qualitative analysis

● Measures the quantity and size of nucleic acids using internal standards

● Provides quality of nucleic acids through measurements such as RNA Integrity Number (RINe), DNA

Integrity Number (DIN), and percent cell-free DNA (%cfDNA)

● Flexibility of sample throughput from 1 - 16 samples

● Requires only 1 - 2 µL of sample per run, which is essential given low sample availability

● Sample processing time of 1 - 2 minutes per sample

● Ability to purchase ready-to-use consumables for ease of running samples

● Analyzes DNA molecules of 35 - 5,000 basepairs with concentrations at 0.1 - 50 ng/µL

● Analyzes RNA molecules with concentrations of 100 pg/µL - 500 ng/µL

● Software provided for use with a Microsoft Windows 10 operating system

● User friendly interface and self maintenance

● System fits on bench top and is within approximately 10 x 21 x 17 inches

● Extended warranty available for purchase

The applicable Size Standard is North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 334516, with a Small Business size standard of 1000 employees. This is a simplified acquisition with an estimated value of less than $250,000.00 Total.

***THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS AND NO

SOLICITATION PACKAGE IS AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, FIRMS THAT BELIEVE THEY CAN FULLY

MEET THE GOVERNMENT'S REQUIREMENTS MAY SUBMIT SUBSTANTIATING

DOCUMENTATION IN WRITING TO THE IDENTIFIED POINT OF CONTACT WITHIN 6 DAYS

AFTER PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. SUCH DOCUMENTATION WILL BE EVALUATED SOLELY

FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING WHETHER OR NOT TO CONDUCT THIS PROCUREMENT

ON A COMPETITIVE BASIS. A DETERMINATION BY THE GOVERNMENT NOT TO CONDUCT A

COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT, BASED UPON RESPONSES TO THIS NOTICE, IS SOLELY WITHIN

THE DISCRETION OF THE GOVERNMENT. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE IN

RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.

Attachments:

Brand Name - redacted

Version 2.0

JUSTIFICATION FOR AN EXCEPTION TO FAIR OPPORTUNITY

FOR AN ORDER EXCEEDING $3,500 AND

UP TO THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

(AUTHORITY: FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i))

Agilent TapeStation 4150 143031-25-0116

1. Agency and contracting activity. Department of Commerce, NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO), Fisheries OMB Field Delegates and and Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC)/Marine Mammal & Turtle Division (MMTD).

2. Description of supplies or services required to meet agency needs (including the estimated value).

An Agilent TapeStation 4150 is needed to conduct ‘Omics data generation, primarily assessing the quantity and quality of DNA and RNA samples being processed in the SEFSC genomics laboratory. The SEFSC currently does not possess an instrument that can be used to determine the size, concentration, and integrity of nucleic acids and can therefore not generate ‘Omics data in house. This type of analysis is required for the quality control of products used in library preparation for next-generation sequencing and will be needed to complete upcoming genomics projects on protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA). The estimated total is for the TapeStation 4150 including a five year extended warranty after the first year of covered warranty.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Electrophoresis system for the quality control of DNA and RNA molecules by performing quantitative and qualitative analysis Measures the quantity and size of nucleic acids using internal standards Provides quality of nucleic acids through measurements such as RNA Integrity Number (RINe), DNA Integrity Number (DIN), and percent cell-free DNA (%cfDNA) Flexibility of sample throughput from 1 - 16 samples Requires only 1 - 2 μL of sample per run, which is essential given low sample availability Sample processing time of 1 - 2 minutes per sample Ability to purchase ready-to-use consumables for ease of running samples Analyzes DNA molecules of 35 - 5,000 basepairs with concentrations at 0.1 - 50 ng/μL Analyzes RNA molecules with concentrations of 100 pg/μL - 500 ng/μL Software provided for use with a Microsoft Windows 10 operating system User friendly interface and self maintenance System fits on bench top and is within approximately 10 x 21 x 17 inches Extended warranty available for purchase

143031-25-0116

Identification of the awardee to be solicited. Agilent Technologies, Inc., 2850 Centerville Rd., Wilmington, DE, 19808.

3. Authority and supporting rationale. The contracting officer has determined the circumstances of the contract action to meet the following statutory exception under FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i) as supported below:

Only one awardee is capable - FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B) – Only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized.

This is a brand name justification - The TapeStation 4150 system is only produced by one manufacturer, Agilent Technologies, Inc. The SEFSC needs a low throughput electrophoresis system to generate ‘Omics data for next-generation sequencing to conduct studies to inform population stock structure, identify genetic variation and trends, and demographic histories as mandated by the MMPA and ESA. The TapeStation 4150 is the only system available that will perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of nucleic acids, including both DNA and RNA molecules, with high sensitivity and with the flexibility of number of samples per run between 1-16 samples.

The only other system with similar functions is the Qiagen QIAxcel Connect System. The QIAxcel does not work well for low-input samples. The TapeStation 4150 has a higher sensitivity with the use of High Sensitivity (HS) Screentapes detecting as low as 0.1-compared to the QIAxcel Connect which can only detect as low as 5-requires running 12 samples per run and up to 96 so there is less flexibility in the number of samples and waste of consumables when fewer samples are run. The QIAxcel does not provide a RINe (RIN equivalent) quality score for RNA samples which is widely accepted in publications and protocols but the TapeStation does provide this score. QIAxcel requires more maintenance that includes capillary replacements and weekly to monthly cleaning and alignment checks that may require trained service whereas the TapeStation has disposable microfluidic ScreenTapes instead of capillaries and does not require scheduled maintenance. If the TapeStation cannot be purchased, the genomics work will need to be performed by outside contractors at an increased cost to the government.

4. Market Research.

Market research was conducted by the SEFSC Research Geneticist in May 2025 in the form of an internet search for Agilent ; the results determined that The 4150 model TapeStation, manufactured by Agilent Technologies, is the only instrument that meets all specifications identified in the statement of need. Other models researched either do not fragment size, cannot distinguish DNA quality, or do not allow for processing of multiple samples simultaneously.

143031-25-0116

5. Technical/Requirements Representative Certification

I certify that this requirement constitutes the Government’s minimum needs and the supporting data provided herein is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Lynsey Wilcox Talbot Date

NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC/MMTD

6. Determination

I hereby determine that the circumstances of this action deem only one source is reasonably available. This determination is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Contracting Officer Date

WILCOX

TALBOT.LYNSEY.ALYNE.1390997937

Digitally signed by WILCOX

TALBOT.LYNSEY.ALYNE.1390997937

Date: 2025.07.11 15:36:59 -05'00'

GILLILAND.AMY.ADAMS.1006073316 Digitally signed by GILLILAND.AMY.ADAMS.1006073316 Date: 2025.07.11 16:57:36 -04'00'