Bio-Repository IT & Cryogenics Support Services

This is a Sources Sought /Request for Information only. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes; it does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ)/Invitation for Bid (IFB)/Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFQ, IFB or RFP in the future. This notice does not commit the U.S. Government to contract for any supply or service. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is conducting market research to determine the availability and capability of qualified business sources; whether they are small businesses; HUBZone small businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses; size classification relative to the applicable NAICS code for the potential requirement and information on their status under any other government schedule/contract such as GSA OASIS, MSA, FSS, etc. Responses to this request for information will assist the U.S. Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible.

The purpose of this contract is to obtain support, expertise, and guidance for CDC Biorepository Services that includes 1) continued cryogenic operations required for continuity of CDC and CDC Biorepository cryogenic systems and related services, and 2) continuity of CDC Biorepository IT systems. This includes, but not limited to:

Cryogenic Services:

•  Providing liquid nitrogen supply to Atlanta-area CDC campuses

•  Cryogenic systems management for all CBR sample storage units (e.g., low-and ultra-low freezers, refrigerators, LN2 sample storage units), infrastructure (e.g., bulk tanks, supply lines), and ancillary equipment (e.g., cryocarts, crypods)

•  Monitoring and emergency response to alarms and related events for sample storage units (e.g., low-and ultra-low freezers, refrigerators, LN2 sample storage units)

•  "Shared Spaces” management at Roybal and Chamblee campuses

IT Systems:

•   Facilitating with electronic sample inventory management

•   Providing CDC sample label services and enhancements toward standardizations

•   Providing CDC Identifier services

•   SampleGuard support and expansion

•   Data portal development for sample sharing

•   CBR informatics, metrics and reporting

See attached draft performance work statement (PWS) for requirement details [subject to change].

The period of performance shall consist of a base year plus four (4) option years. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this procurement is 541990 – All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.

All small businesses, in all socioeconomic categories (including, 8(a) Business Development Program, Small Disadvantage Business, Historically Underutilized Business Zone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Women-Owned Small Business concerns), are encouraged to identify their capabilities in meeting the requirement. Be advised that the U.S. Government will not be able to set aside this requirement if 2 or more small businesses do not respond with appropriate information to support the set-aside.

In response to this sources sought, please provide:

1.  Name of the firm, point of contact, phone number, email address, UEI, CAGE code, a statement regarding small business status (including small business type(s)/certifications(s) such as SDB, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, etc.) and the corresponding NAICS code.

2.  Identify whether your firm is interested in competing for this requirement as a prime contractor or not.  Identify subcontracting, joint ventures or teaming arrangement that will be pursued, if any.

3.  Information in sufficient detail regarding previous experience (indicate whether as a prime contractor or subcontractor) on similar requirements (include size, scope, complexity, timeframe, government or commercial), pertinent certifications, etc., that will facilitate making a capability determination. 

4.  Information to help determine if the requirement is commercially available, including pricing information, basis for the pricing information (e.g., market pricing, catalog pricing), delivery schedules, customary terms and conditions, warranties, etc.

Responses to this RFI shall be submitted no later than 12:00PM EST, June 27, 2024 to James Brown III at xvn8@cdc.gov. If there are any questions, please contact us referencing “CDC Biorepository.”