Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source

The United States Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA), 820 Chandler Street, Fort Detrick, Maryland, 21702, in support of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) intends to award a sole source Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to NanoString Technologies Inc. for commercial off-the-shelf and custom assays, panels, and required consumable reagents which are compatible with their proprietary nCounter Analysis System. The nCounter Analysis System is used to measure the abundance of specific genes and/or proteins in biological samples by labeling them with fluorescent barcodes and then counting them using a digital imager. The assays performed on the nCounter Analysis System will be focused on characterizing panels of genes and proteins related to biological processes such as the immune response, inflammation, cancer, etc. Assays are designed to be used with specific species such as human, nonhuman primates, rodents, etc. USAMRIID currently utilizes the Nanostring Technologies nCounter Analysis System to execute existing diagnostic assay, vaccine, and therapeutics research programs. The proposed BPA is for supplies for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), FAR citation is 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The proposed contractor, NanoString Technologies Inc. is the only contractor that can provide proprietary services and equipment for the nCounter Analysis System, due to the fact that Nanostring, Inc is the sole manufacturer and reseller of the required custom assays, panels, and required consumable reagents.