LSJ(R)_W74MYF73334206_(NovaSeq_6000).pdf

LIMITED SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

1 The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support, Medical Supplier Operations, Electronic Catalog (ECAT) Division, is the contracting activity.

2 The action submitted for approval is the acquisition of a brand name product of Illumina

3 The Government has the following requirement:

Item Description/Brand Name: Genetic Sequencer / NovaSeq 6000 Manufacturer (MFR): Illumina MFR Part Number: 20012850 Quantity: 1 Estimated Dollar Value:

4 This action is being conducted under the Multiple Award Schedule Program. The authority waiving the competition requirements is FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(b) – 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.

The use of this authority is necessary because the Viral Disease Branch at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) requires Illumina’s NovaSeq 6000 genetic sequencer to manage the increasing high volume of samples with a zero error rate to efficiently continue its mission of identifying novel viruses, conducting epidemiological studies, and characterizing host responses to DOD candidate vaccines. WRAIR currently uses an Illumina MiSeq genetic sequencer but its capacity no longer adequately supports WRAIR’s expanding mission. (WRAIR will continue to use the Illumina MiSeq genetic sequencer for smaller evaluations involving easier to run checks and balances on potential errors.) The NovaSeq 6000 will increase sequence data output and economically increase productivity. The main differences between the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 and Illumina MiSeq are in their outputs, sequence per run, and their error rates. The NovaSeq 6000 has a max output of 3000 Gbs, while the MiSeq’s output is only 15 Gbs. The NovSeq 6000 can run 19,200 virus sequences per run, while the MiSeq only runs 96 sequences. Furthermore, the NovaSeq 6000 has an error rate of 0.00%, while the MiSeq’s rate is 0.1%.

The required genetic sequencer must satisfy the following minimum requirements that were established by WRAIR.

a) Shall provide a touch screen.

b) Shall provide a calibrated screen indicating flow cell status and immediate analysis interpretation

c) Shall provide a Linux based computer engine

d) Shall provide Windows 10 operating systems

e) Shall provide image analysis software

f) Shall provide base calling software, which is the process of assigning bases to various compounds.

g) Shall provide user interface software

h) Shall provide anti-virus software

i) Shall run over 5000 samples sequenced per run.

j) Shall have a 0.00% error rate.

k) Shall provide interoperability/connectivity with the co-existing MiSeq sequencer.

l) Shall include communication capabilities with the co-existing MiSeq sequencer.

m) Shall include snap-in cartridges containing ready-to-use reagents

n) Shall include waste containers

o) Shall include comprehensive sequencing and informatics ecosystem that include

Laboratory Management System (LMS)

p) Shall provide biomedical tech support

q) Shall operate at 110V/60Hz, 220V/50Hz: 200-240V/47-63Hz

The NovaSeq 6000 is available on ECAT and meets these minimum requirements.

5 DLA Troop Support has already determined the prices of the supplies under the Multiple Award Schedule Program fair and reasonable based on a favorable comparison to the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) pricing and discounts from the commercial price lists. In accordance with FAR 8.405-1, a Request for Quotation (RFQ) will be sent to all Laboratory ECAT contract holders prior to placement of the delivery order in an effort to obtain better pricing. This acquisition represents the best value to the Government consistent with FAR 8.404(d).

6 Market research was performed by the DLA Contracting Officer, the DLA Engineer, and the WRAIR in February/March, 2018. Similar products are found in the marketplace, however these products did not meet the WRAIR essential requirements. MinION can only virus sequence 128 per run, BioRad can only virus sequence 204.8 per run, and PacBio can only virus sequence 64 per run.

Additionally, MinION, BioRad, and PacBio have error rates of 13%, 1.8%, and 12%, respectively.

7 Any ECAT vendor not currently offering the required product will have the opportunity to add the product, thus enhancing competition. ECAT vendors have the opportunity to add products that fall within the scope of the ECAT contract at any time.

8 DLA Troop Support will continue to attempt to locate other acceptable sources for the ECAT program for future requirements as they arise; however, any new items would need to meet WRAIR’s Viral Diseases Branch requirements.

9 As the Contracting Officer, I hereby certify that the information contained in this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.