Option Year SSJ_Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification for Sole Source Procurement document from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seeking approval for a non-competitive contract extension under $350,000.

The CDC's Infectious Disease Pathology Branch requires a one-year service agreement extension with incumbent Agilent Technologies, Inc. for continued maintenance and support of the Artisan Link Pro Special Stain System, with an option year added to cover the equipment through August 2027. The Artisan Pro is a specialized in vitro diagnostic device that automates slide-based special stains on paraffin-embedded tissue samples, critical to the laboratory's pathology diagnostics and disease surveillance operations. The service agreement includes preventive maintenance, unlimited telephone support, unlimited onsite hardware troubleshooting (Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM), and compliance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) testing requirements. The initial contract was awarded to Agilent Technologies on August 12, 2026, for one year with one option year, with performance running through August 11, 2027. The procurement is justified under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) for exclusive licensing agreements and proprietary data, and FAR 8.405-6 as only one source is reasonably available to provide OEM-authorized maintenance. The Program Office conducted internet and GSA Advantage searches and found no alternative vendors capable of servicing the equipment. No GSA Schedule applies to this requirement. The justification was certified by Program Official Lisa Angel and Contracting Officer Marie Claxton-S on March 24, 2026.