lipidic cubic phase (Mosquito-LCP) robot for crystallization

Added: Jul 20, 2016 10:38 am This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation number is NIH-NICHD-16-116 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation/contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-78. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 334516 and the business size standard is 1,000. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Digestive, Diabetes & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) intends to award a purchase order for the purchase of a lipidic cubic phase (Mosquito-LCP) robot for crystallization.

Membrane proteins have traditionally been crystallized using detergents such that the protein-detergent complex is crystallized like a soluble protein, using equipment designed for soluble proteins. Recent advances in membrane protein crystallization have substituted specific lipids for the detergent, yielding a more native-like protein-lipid complex and significantly different crystal forms. Monoolein is the lipid of choice for this method because it can be mixed with a membrane protein and buffer to form a lipidic cubic phase which is UV transparent and forms a 3D array that encourages crystal growth. Because a lipidic cubic phase mixture has the viscosity of silicon vacuum grease (or very thick mud), it is impossible to use standard crystallization robots to pipette these mixtures. It is also nearly impossible to set up these experiments by hand. Although difficult to manipulate, LCP crystallization is state of the art in the field of membrane protein crystallization and vital to the continued success of our lab. Its usefulness is apparent: all G-protein coupled receptor structures have been crystallized using this method (and no useful crystals were obtained by more standard methods).

Offers will also be evaluated on best value in relation to price. Offerors must include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certification-Commercial Items, with its offer. The provisions of FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items; FAR Clause 52.212-2, Evaluation; FAR Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items; and FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items - Deviation for Simplified Acquisitions applies to this acquisition. The offeror must include their Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size. The clauses are available in full text at http://www.acquisition.gov/far/. Interested vendors capable of providing the required/actual equipment in this synopsis should submit a copy of their quotation to the below address or via email to amber.harris@nih.gov. Offers must also be accompanied by descriptive literature, delivery timeframe, warranties, and/or other information that demonstrates that the offer meets all of the foregoing requirements. Quotations will be due fifteen (15) calendar days from the publication date of this synopsis or by August 4, 2016 by 10:00am EST. via email or postal mail. The quotation must reference Solicitation number NIH-NICHD-16-116. Quotations sent by postal mail or other mailing services must be submitted to the following address: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710 Rockledge Drive, Room 1161B, Bethesda, MD 20817 Attention: Amber Harris, by the date and time mentioned above. Any questions must be sent via email to amber.harris@nih.gov and must include Solicitation number NIH-NICHD-16-116 in the subject line of email. Faxed copies/responses will not be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: In order to receive an award, contractor must be registered and have valid certification in the System for Award Management (SAM) http://www.sam.gov.