Covaris ME220 Focused-Ultrasonicator

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is contemplating issuance of a purchase order pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Part 13.106-1(b) on a sole source basis with Covaris Inc., 14 Gill Street Unit H, Woburn, MA 01801-1721. The purpose of this requirement is to purchase one (1) each Covaris ME220 Focused-Ultrasonicator, to include a three-year extended warranty. The anticipated period of performance is September 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024.  The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement is 335999 – All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing. 

The required Covaris ME220 Focused-Ultrasonicator is capable of 1 – 8 sample batch processing and provides precise and accurate results with Adaptive Focused Acoustics (AFA) energetics which enables the active removal of paraffin from tissue samples in an aqueous buffer, while simultaneously rehydrating the tissue. It also enables increased yields of nucleic acids and minimizes the degradation of nucleic acids thereby, increasing assay sensitivity. This instrument increases the efficiency of tissue processing by significantly reducing sample processing time as it uses a single step process and is capable of processing multiple samples (up to 8) at a time.  Market research has determined that Covaris, Inc. is the only company that can provide a focused-ultrasonicator with the required specifications.  Therefore, there is not an equivalent piece of equipment capable of replicating the required capabilities that the Covaris ME220 Focused-Ultrasonicator provides.  Covaris Inc. is the only known vendor capable of providing the required equipment.                                                                                       

The proposed simplified acquisition action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with Covaris, Inc. under authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Part 13.106-1(b). All responsible sources may provide a statement of capability, which must be received within 15 days after the date of publication notice.