Electroporation-based Transfection Instrument

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, to determine the method of acquisition, and availability of 
domestic sources manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available 
commercial quantities and of a satisfactory quality. 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. Small businesses are encouraged to respond.

For equipment/supply requirements, responses must include the place of manufacturing (i.e. address 
if supply/equipment is a domestic end product and include country of manufacture). For 
equipment/supply requirements, small businesses must also address the size status of the 
manufacturer under the applicable NAICS code (i.e. address Non- Manufacturer Rule). Your responses 
to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition 
method, including whether a set-aside is possible. 

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) requires a brand name or equal 4D Nucleofector system and component parts for genome  engineering of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) using
CRISPR-Cas9 technology. NINDS requires a system that will provide precise and efficient gene editing tools, especially for applications in regenerative medicine and disease modeling.

Project requirements: A Capable Offeror must demonstrate its ability to provide the following brand 
name or equal items to the Government:
Quantity
1-Plug IEC C13 USA (KAA-01US)
1- 4D Nucleofector Core Unit (AAF-1003B)
1Brand name or Equal 4D Nucleofector X Unit (AAF-1003X) Plug IEC C13 USA (KAA-01US)

A Capable Offerors must demonstrate its ability to provide a system with the following
brand name or equal system with the following Salient Characteristics:
•  Support Nucleofection of various cell numbers (2 x 104 to 2 x 107) cells in different 
formats.
•  Feature positions for 20 μL Nucleocuvette® Strips and 100 μL single Nucleocuvette®.
•  Provide seamless transfer of conditions between different Nucleofection® Vessels.
•  Posses an electrically driven drawer for cuvette retainer.
•  Support Nucleofection of various cell numbers in different formats.
•  Allow for substrate independent transfection of DNA, RNA, RNP's and proteins.
•  Provide versatility in transfection parameters, enabling optimization for different cell types 
including hiPSCs.
•  Able to efficiently deliver CRISPR-Cas9 complexes.
•  Capable of both small-scale experiments and large-scale production.