INTENT TO AWARD TO SINGLE SOURCE - Perkin Elmer

NOAA's NMFS, Alaska Fisheries Science Center intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (1), Perkin Elmer, Inc.

The Auke Bay Laboratories Genetics Program uses a plethora of next-generation sequencing protocols, including but not limited to environmental DNA (eDNA), Genotyping-in-Thousands by sequencing (GT-seq), and restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq), all of which are processed on a Janus Automated Liquid Handling System. Annual preventative maintenance on this instrument by highly-trained specialist engineers is crucial for continued production of high-quality, reproducible next-generation sequencing for fish species identification and genetic stock identification, which are crucial to our agency’s mission.

Our requirement is for annual preventative maintenance service contract (with two additional option years) for the Janus Automated Liquid Handling System (Serial number: 4207949). The service requirement must include full support within 72 hours for all parts failures due to normal wear and tear (parts, labor, travel), one preventative maintenance visit per year (parts, labor, travel), unlimited software and firmware updates, and unlimited telephone support. Preventative maintenance includes travel to and from the site, annual inspection, re-calibration, performance verification of subassembly and electro-mechanical components, and certification that the instrument is performing to specifications. Three years of experience with a third party vendor has resulted in sub-par service in initial response to requests for service and sub-par turn-around time in scheduling maintenance and repairs for the Janus Automated Liquid Handling System . Having a direct source to PerkinElmer, the sole source available for repairs and maintenance on this instrument, is in the federal government’s best fiscal interest, and allows the Genetics Program to continue production of high-quality, reproducible next-generation sequencing for fish species identification and genetic stock identification in a timely and efficient process, without instrument down-time.

Annual preventative maintenance must be performed only by highly specialized and trained service engineers familiar with the Janus Automated Liquid Handling System . The vendor must provide parts, labor, travel, unlimited software and firmware updates, and unlimited telephone support. The service requirement must include full support within 72 hours for all parts failures due to normal wear and tear (parts, labor, travel), one preventative maintenance visit per year (parts, labor, travel), unlimited software and firmware updates, and unlimited telephone support. Preventative maintenance includes travel to and from the site, annual inspection, re-calibration, performance verification of subassembly and electro-mechanical components, and certification that the instrument is performing to specifications.

The required service must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems or equipment and the source is uniquely qualified to meet the requirement.  Only one source is capable - PerkinElmer is uniquely qualified and offers exemplary and experienced technical support and service.  Highly specialized instruments such as the Janus Automated Liquid Handling System require consistently-timed annual maintenance and a rapid response to address instrument malfunctions in order to benefit from the high quality and rapid results the instrument is designed to produce.   Third Party provider will not be considered.  We require a rapid response, support, or service scheduling required to maintain the Janus Automated Liquid Handling System in optimal working condition.  Direct access to PerkinElmer engineers is required to keep this highly specialized instrument functioning.

Award for this requirement will be in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13. Anticipated value will be under the Simplified acquisition procedures with an estimated value of less than $150,000.00. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. No known potential alternate sources exist which could satisfy these requirement. 

Questions regarding this notification can be emailed to the attention of Heather Mahle at heather.mahle@noaa.gov.   Subject line should include reference number ABL-23083.