Bio-Rad QX200 Droplet Digital PCR System

****NOAA’s Acquisition & Grants Office, Western Acquisition Division-Boulder, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) with Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

 ****The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) La Jolla, California office's need for a Bio-Rad QX200 Droplet Digital PCR System.

The QX200 Droplet Digital PCR System (ddPCR) is an instrument from Bio-Rad that enables precise, highly sensitive quantification of nucleic acids, and is considered the most accurate for genomics applications. The ddPCR system technique is useful for low abundance targets, targets in complex backgrounds, allelic variants (SNPs) and for monitoring subtle changes in target levels.

Currently SWFSC uses the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, which has caused issues with accurate quantifications of genetic libraries resulting in the need to repeat projects. Integrating the ddPCR to the existing NGS process will increase efficiency and accuracy and will save time and money by eliminating the need to repeat processes and projects. The QX200 ddPCR instrument coupled with the T100 Thermal Cycler will allow us to build on our current processes with NGS and will enhance our capacity forward with eDNA and microbiome analysis. Both of these processes require the detection and quantitation of low-abundance microorganisms, which currently we don't have the ability to quantify. The QX200 ddPCR has the added ability to detect and measure genomic methylated DNA, which would enhance our current process of epigenetic aging using methylated DNA, an interest area of research for marine mammals and turtles.

Genetic data generated from this QX200 ddPCR and the T100 Thermal provide information that is critical to the advancement of science and management objectives for protected species in waters and oceans, where the U.S. has a vested interest. Additionally, this tool will facilitate research related to the developing marine aquaculture industry in the region, including captive propagation programs aimed to recover threatened or endangered species. Genetic information from these protected species are used to estimate and monitor trends in abundance, identify units to conserve, understand life history, condition, and health, and to gain a better understanding of ecosystem dynamics.

Deliver by 09/30/2020

***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available.  However, firms that believe they can provide the service as described that fully meets the Government’s requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. 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.