6550--10X Genomics Supplies | 646

The Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 4 has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to award a sole source contract to 10x Genomics, Inc. of Pleasanton, California for specialized scientific equipment. The procurement falls under NAICS code 325413 (In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing) and includes four specific genomics products: a GEM-X Flex Sample Preparation v2 Kit, a GEM-X Flex Gene Expression Chip Kit with 4 chips, a Dual Index Kit TS Set A with 96 reactions, and a GEM-X Flex Gene Expression Human 16-plex capable of analyzing 64 samples. The VA intends to negotiate under FAR Part 6.302-1 "Only One Responsible Source" authority, citing this as a brand-name-only requirement. This is not a competitive solicitation or request for proposals, and the contract will be firm-fixed price with no option years.

The primary objective of this procurement is to acquire unique single-cell RNA sequencing equipment specifically needed for analyzing formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from Gulf War Veterans at the VA Pittsburgh Medical Center. The government has determined that 10x Genomics is the exclusive manufacturer of these specialized platforms capable of performing the required analysis on preserved veteran tissue samples, with no alternative technologies available to meet this critical research need. Any responses challenging the sole source determination must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, and must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the government. Eligibility to challenge this determination is open to any contractor who can demonstrate viable alternatives, though the VA maintains that only 10x Genomics can fulfill the technical requirements. The procurement will be conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, with the contract specialist Gabriella Byrne serving as the point of contact for any responses.