Notice of Intent to Sole Source Acquity UPLC/QToF System

This notice announces the intent by the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) in support of the Department of Immunology and Medicine, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) to procure Waters Acquity UPLC with Xevo G2-XS QToF (UPLC/QToF) system without competition as prescribed in FAR 13.106(b)(1)(i). Specifically, the Government will procure this system manufactured by Waters Corporation. The Waters Acquity UPLC with Xevo G2-XS QToF (UPLC/QToF) system can only be purchased from Waters Corporation or their exclusive authorized reseller. Sithiporn Associates Company, Ltd. has been appointed as the authorized sole agent for Waters Corporation.

The Waters Acquity UPLC with Xevo G2-XS QToF (UPLC/QToF) system allows simultaneous qualitative and sensitive quantitative analysis of compounds from complex samples matrices, for example parent drug and its known metabolites (which is generally present in minute amount), in a single run and metabolite characterization of drug and cellular biology. These abilities to quantitate multiple compounds in a single run and identify unknown metabolites provide more results in fewer experiments and broaden ongoing malaria drug development mission. The Acquity UPLC system is comprised of a Binary Solvent Manager, a Sample Manager with a Column Manager and a solvent trays. The Xevo G2-XS QToF combines StepWave ion optics, XS Collision Cell and QuanTof Technology for superior robustness, sensitivity, and selectivity along with dynamic range, mass accuracy, and speed of analysis resulting in the highest quality, most comprehensive qualitative and quantitative information. In addition, the Xevo G2-XS QToF delivers not only conventional MS and MS/MS methods of data acquisition, but also MSE for comprehensive accurate mass precursor and fragment ion information from a single analysis, and Tof-MRM for enhanced quantitative capability. In short, the Department of Immunology and Medicine could analyze multiple antimalarial drugs with their metabolites at the same time and identify both unknown drug metabolite and biological cellular metabolite. Due to previous history using a Waters Brand LC-MS analyzer it is important to provide comparable data in the future for comparison with historical data, as well as, continuity of service with the distributor and the analyzer. The Waters UPLC/QToF has interchangeable parts with other Waters instruments currently utilized in the laboratory. The Waters system will enable AFRIMS to retain a Liquid Chromatography / Mass Spectrometer - Mass Detector (LC/MS-MS) made by the same manufacturer that are compatible with previous Waters models.

Due to electrical system differences between the US, it is very important to obtain a model designed for 220V/50Hz electricity. Models procured in the U.S. or Korea are designed for the U.S. electrical system specifications (110V/60Hz) and even with voltage regulators and conditioners will not function properly.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement is 334516 and FSC 6630.

Proposed solicitation number: W81XWH-16-T-0193.

This announcement fulfills the synopsis requirements under FAR 5.102(a)(6) and 5.203(a). USAMRAA intends to publish a solicitation no sooner than 15 days after publishing this synopsis. This Special Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive quotes. Information received in response to this notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether a competitive procurement is in the best interest of the Government. If no written
responses are received by the date listed below, which reflects at least fifteen (15) days after the publication of this notice, the solicitation will be issued as sole source.

All questions and responses concerning this notice shall be emailed to Ayi Ayayi at
ayi.j.ayayi.civ@mail.mil.

Interested concerns must identify their capability in writing to the email address listed above no later than 4:00 PM ET, 19 May 2016.