Flow Cytometer

VHAPM Part 813.106 Simplified Acquisition Procedures: Soliciting from a Single Source
Attachment 1: Single Source Justification for SAP under the SAT
VHAPM Part 813.106 Page 1 of 1
Original Date: 08/30/17
Revision 01 Eff Date: 04/23/2018
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 13.106-1
For
Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the SAT ($250K)
Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C24619AP3856
Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 6, Salem Medical Center
NCO 6
100 Emancipation Dr.
Hampton, VA 23667
2237 658-19-3-9038-0650
Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount:
Flow Cytometer for the new molecular research lab at Salem VAMC. $209,679.00
Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used: This system (known as FlowSight, manufactured and distributed solely by Amnis Corporation, a Division of Luminex Corporation) provides traditional flow cytometry performance coupled with classic fluorescent microscopy. There is no other system on the market that can take up to 12 unique images of every cell, in up to 10 colors of fluorescence at a rate up to 5,000 events per second. The spectrally-separated data is collected as images on a proprietary CCD camera system rather than as voltage measurements via photo multiplier tubes. The inherent sensitivity of the CCD array coupled with Amnis patented Time Delay Integration technology (TDI) yields fluorescence sensitivity that is at least 10-fold better across all channels than traditional flow cytometers costing more than twice the price of the FlowSight. This superior sensitivity allows the FlowSight to easily resolve rare and dim populations of cells. By having a system which produces classic flow cytometry data and quantitative microscopy data, will allow our onsite investigators and VA-funded off-site investigators to obtain unique statistical information which cannot be generated by any other system on the market.
Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted: I conducted a market search and found the required item is available from only one source, Amnis Luminex Corp, confirmed in writing proprietary rights.
Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR13.106-1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
____________________________
Name John Harmsen
Title Contracting Officer.