DNA Analyzer

This is a Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of all qualified sources to perform a potential requirement.

This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition.  It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract.  Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes.  No award will be made as a result of this notice.  The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice.  This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only.

Background:  The National Institute on Aging, Center of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias works to understand the pathological basis of neurodegenerative diseases mainly Alzheimer’s Disease. The purpose of this acquisition is to provide a DNA analyzer for analysis of DNA changes associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurodegenerative disease disorders. A DNA analyzer is a powerful, standard genetic analysis device that provides microsatellite-based fragment analysis, de novo sequencing, resequencing, and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping analysis.

Purpose and Objectives: This acquisition is necessary for DNA sequencing and analysis of DNA samples to support the research of novel amino acid mutation discoveries in the scope of Alzheimer’s Disease Research within Center of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.

Project requirements:

The DNA analyzer must be a powerful, standard genetic analysis device that provides microsatellite-based fragment analysis, de novo sequencing, resequencing, and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping analysis. The DNA analyzer must allow for multiple DNA samples to be processed simultaneously. The resultant data file must produce amino acid fragment read lengths up to 900 base pairs. The device must allow for two varying platforms, with multiple well configurations, allowing for flexibility in sample through put. The DNA analyzer must be compatible in form, fit, and function with NIA’s existing ThermoFisher DNA analyzer labware and capillary arrays.

Instrument must include these specifications:

• Compatible with 48- and 96-capillary arrays
• Advanced multiplexing capabilities for automated DNA fragment analysis with up to 6 unique dyes
• Single-line, 505 nm, solid-state, long-life laser that doesn’t require heat removal
• In-capillary detection and simultaneous dual-side capillary illumination
• Continuous 48 hour unattended operation
• Integrated autosampler and sample plate stacker
• Onboard piercing station
• Internal barcode reader
• Automated base calling and quality value (QV) assignment
• Polymer separation matrix system
• Oven with active temperature control (18–70°C)
• Software compatible with Windows 10 operating system
• Solid-state laser, 505 nm, long-life, single-line
• Sample volumes for 384-well sample plates: 5–30 μL
• Sample volumes for 96-well sample plates: 10–50 μL
• Integrated plate stacker that houses up to 16 sample plates

Anticipated Delivery Date: 6 Months ARO

Capability statement /information sought.

The intent of this sources sought notice is to define the procurement strategy (e.g. set-aside, sole source, unrestricted) for a solicitation that is intended to be posted soon. Interested contractors are requested to respond by (1) identifying how their proposed product meets or exceeds the project requirements listed above; and (2) providing product literature, white papers, or capability statements that demonstrate their bona fide ability to supply such an item within the time frame described above.

In addition, please state your business size status and whether you are the manufacturer or authorized distributor of the item you propose.

Please note that NIA is particularly interested in small business sources. If you are a small business, please state the type of small business (small business; HUBZone; service-disabled, veteran-owned; 8(a); veteran-owned; woman-owned; or small disadvantaged businesses) and your size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible.

The respondent must also provide their DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc., pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements.

One (1) copy of the response is required and must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format using 11-point or 12-point font, 8-1/2” x 11” paper size, with 1” top, bottom, left and right margins, and with single or double spacing.

The information submitted must be in an outline format that addresses each of the elements of the project requirement and in the capability statement /information sought paragraphs stated herein.  A cover page and an executive summary may be included but is not required.

The response is limited to ten (10) page limit.  The 10-page limit does not include the cover page, executive summary, or references, if requested.

The response must include the respondents’ technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses.

All responses to this notice must be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist.  Facsimile responses are NOT accepted.

The response must be submitted to Hashim Dasti, Contract Specialist, at e-mail address hashim.dasti@nih.gov.

The response must be received on or beforeNovember 15, 2021 at 11AM  Eastern Time.

“Disclaimer and Important Notes:  This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work.

Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.

Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).”