Intent to Sole Source: oKtopure High Throughput DNA Extraction Robot

Added: Jun 18, 2015 2:30 pm The U.S. Department of Agriculture, ARS, WBSC, Stoneville, Mississippi, intends to award a sole source procurement to LGC Genomics, LLC 100 Cummings Center, Beverly, MA 01915 for an oKtopure High Throughput DNA Extraction Robot to produce high quality DNA to analyze large numbers of samples a day for small grain genotyping research. The complete purchase will include:

1) oKtopure High Throughput DNA Extraction Robot (KBS-0009-001), with one year warranty on all parts and labor, 1ea

The oKtopure High Throughput DNA Extraction Robot is proprietary to LGC Genomics, LLC. The oKtopure High Throughput DNA Extraction Robot is the only known robot that can automatically analyze 800 samples in each run and process 3-5000 samples of high quality DNA daily. This is output is very important and required for the research intended because high level of automation will provide the high and uniform DNA quality for downstream analysis and high-throughput will insure that deadlines in peak season can be met. Known similar technology for DNA isolation runs one plate each time and with only half of the throughput. Furthermore, research consistency allows for the purchase of the same robot being used across other USDA labs. Because both USDA Genotyping labs in North Carolina and Washington State purchased oKtopure for DNA isolation, the usage of the oKtopure High Throughput DNA Extraction Robot will make it possible to generate DNA from the same machine and for the comparison of accurate data among the USDA genotyping labs.

Pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. The equipment will be located at the USDA-ARS-CGAHR Hard Winter Wheat and Genetics Research Unit, Manhattan, KS. The Government intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order on or about July 3, 2015. This Notice of Intent is not considered a Request for Quotation (RFQ) nor is it a Request for Proposals (RFP). No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be honored. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government will consider all responses received by 4:00PM Central Standard Time, July 2, 2015. Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquiries will only be accepted via mail to the Contracting Officer at the following address:

Contracting Office Address:
USDA-ARS-WBSC
Shalunda Mix
141 Experiment Station Road
Stoneville, MS. 38776-0225