Notice of Intent to Sole Source Purchase Order to Spark Holland Inc. dba iChrome Solutions

This is a notice of intent to award a sole-source purchase order and is not a request for competitive proposals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Laboratory Sciences (DLS) in Atlanta, GA, hereby announces intent to solicit and enter into a contract with Spark Holland Inc. dba iChrom Solutions, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), only one source [is] reasonably available, brand name required and under authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1, Other Than Full and Open Competition procedures . 

This requirement is for Spark Holland Inc. dba iChrom Solutions to provide:  Workstation CHRONECT Symbiosis Advanced 1,000 bar UHPLC system with online SPE capability. CHRONECT Symbiosis Advanced 1,000 bar UHPLC system with online SPE system is the only system that provides an on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) system with the capability of automatically exchanging the SPE cartridges. The SPE can be done at UPLC pressures of 1,000 bar, while LC runs can be done at pressures up to 1,200 bar. This essentially eliminates the time in the method that is dedicated to performing the SPE. The exchange of cartridges is needed to ensure validity of the analytical results because of the complexity of the serum matrix.  On-line solid phase extraction (SPE) systems without the capability of automatically exchange SPE cartridges are not suitable for measuring chemical compounds in serum, due to the high protein and lipid content of serum. The Symbiosis system coupled to an uHPLC pump can automatically exchange SPE cartridges after a pre-set number of samples have been analyzed. To our knowledge, the Symbiosis system from iChrom Inc. is the only system capable of exchanging the SPE cartridges in a way that is completely synchronized with the operation of autosampler, HPLC pump and mass spectrometer data collection.  CHRONECT Symbiosis Advanced 1,000 bar UHPLC system with online SPE system is the only system that provides an on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) system. No other system is available in the current market.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals, however, the Government shall consider all responses received within fifteen (15) days of this posting, in accordance with FAR 5.203 (A)(1). If no affirmative responses are received within fifteen (15) days, negotiations will be conducted with Spark Holland Inc. dba iChrom Solutions, as the only source and a contract will be issued without any additional notices being posted.

The Government will review any/all capabilities statements and pricing information submitted and determine if other qualified sources do exist that could provide this requirement. Information received in response to this announcement will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement for these services and/or supplies in the future.

A determination by the CDC not to compete this proposed contract, based upon responses to this notification, is solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

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 meet the requirement are encouraged to identify themselves and provide a substantive statement with descriptive literature and any other supporting information to the Contracting Specialist within fifteen (15) days of publication of this notice by July 22 at 8:00 a.m.  All information received within fifteen (15) days of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government to determine if more than one firm can meet the Government's requirements and is capable of providing technically acceptable services.  Responses to this posting must be submitted in writing via e-mail only. A determination not to compete the described requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Federal Government.  Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement.  Any questions or comments should be directed via e-mail ONLY to Marie Bartkevicius at vgj6@cdc.gov. Thank you for your interest.