Maintenance Service Contract for Illumina MiSeq and NextSeq

BACKGROUND

The Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LBMB) carries out basic research into the mechanisms underlying cell growth, division, differentiation and homeostasis with a focus on the biology of chromosomes and the cell nucleus. LBMB fosters an interdisciplinary approach in which the methods of biophysics, biochemistry, genetics and cell biology are used in an interactive and collaborative research environment to solve problems of fundamental importance to cancer research. As part of this research, Next Generation Sequencing (high throughput genome-wide sequencing) is routinely performed to investigate questions relating to epigenetic regulation of the genome. The MiSeq and NextSeq machines are manufactured by Illumina and are used to obtain sequencing data for in depth genome-wide analyses.

 OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this acquisition is to acquire a full coverage maintenance service contract covering an Illumina NextSeq500 and a MiSeq instrument. The instruments are specialized equipment used to perform whole genome high throughput sequencing and are essential for the daily research activities at the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The service will ensure that the MiSeq and NextSeq machines will remain operational, repaired as needed, and receive all necessary software and hardware upgrades. This acquisition will include free replacement consumables in the event of hardware failures and technical support by phone available 8am – 5pm, Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.

SCOPE

The Contractor shall provide full coverage for all labor, material, travel and equipment necessary to maintain and provide preventive maintenance for the Government-owned high throughput sequencing MiSeq (serial number M00299) and NextSeq (serial number NB501557) machines. All maintenance service shall be performed on-site in accordance with the manufacturer’s standard commercial maintenance practices. Coverage includes free reagent replacement upon hardware failure, one preventive maintenance visit, remote email and phone technical support 8am – 5pm, Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday, two business day on-site support, software and hardware updates and on-site application support.

CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS AND PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

The Contractor shall perform the following tasks:

1.  Preventative Maintenance Inspections

The Contractor shall perform one (1) preventive maintenance inspections (PMI) during the contract period. Technically qualified factory-trained personnel shall perform service.  Service shall consist of a thorough cleaning, calibration, adjusting, inspection, and testing of all equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s latest established service procedures.  All equipment shall be operationally tested at the end of the preventive maintenance inspection to assure optimum and efficient performance.

2. Replacement Parts

The Contractor shall furnish all required replacement parts at no additional cost to the Government. Parts shall be new or re-manufactured to original equipment specifications. Hardware updates will be provided.

3. Software Updates/service

The Contractor shall provide software service and updates in accordance with the manufacturer’s latest established service procedures, to include email and telephone access to technical support for use of program software and troubleshooting of the sequencing runs (18x5), at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall receive advance approval for the installation of all software updates and revisions from the Government. Defective software shall be replaced at no additional cost to the Government.

4. Personnel Requirements

Technically qualified factory-trained personnel shall perform service to the MiSeq and NextSeq machines as covered by this contract. All primary service personnel shall have at least one backup support person with at least the same level of expertise on the equipment as covered by this contract.