Notice of Intent to Negotiate a Sole Source Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) intends to negotiate a sole source Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with Illumina, Inc., located in San Diego, CA, with firm-fixed unit pricing to be utilized by USDA Agencies for:  1) MiSeq, NextSeq and HiSeq sequencing equipment and reagents necessary for preparing samples for sequence by synthesis runs, and 2) Infinium assays reagents, HiScan and iScan instruments used to scan iSelect BeadChip arrays for SNP genotyping, including peripheral equipment, corresponding analysis software, and service agreements.  Three (3) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agencies.  Multiple locations throughout the USDA have requirements for a high density marker assays, using Illumina's proprietary Infinium chemistry for SNP detection and decoding, which allows thousands of different genome locations (DNA markers) to be analyzed in multiple individuals in a single reaction assay, thus permitting a large amount of data to be generated in a short period of time.  These markers are custom designed and an integrated component of high density SNP bead chip kits, along with other chemical reagents manufactured by Illumina.  For those locations that have been utilizing Illumina technology, there is a need for continued use of the equipment, markers, and reagents to provide consistency that allows scientists to compare and share results with colleagues around the world.  The chemistry and reagents are specific to Illumina products and are not compatible with any other manufacturer's equipment.  This is a notice of intent and is not a request for competitive quotes or proposals.  No solicitation is available.  Firms that believe they can provide the equipment, reagents and services are encouraged to identify themselves and provide a substantive statement with descriptive literature and any other supporting information to the Contracting Officer within 15 days of publication of this notice.  All information received within 15 days of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government to determine if the more than one firm can meet the Government's requirements and is capable of providing technically acceptable equipment, chemical reagents and services.  All responses must be in writing and may be e-mailed to the attention of Rebecca A. Holzinger at becky.holzinger@ars.usda.gov.  Questions concerning this acquisition must be directed to Rebecca A. Holzinger at the above contract information, or by phone at 309-681-6616.