Notice of Intent: Versatile Sequencing System

The Food and Drug Administration intends to negotiate solely with Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. for a Versatile Sequencing System under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1901. The sequencing system must be capable of producing long reads of 8,000 to over 20,000 bases, running a minimum of eight multiplexed samples simultaneously, and accommodating a cell confinement structure with 100,000 to 150,000 zero-mode waveguide holes. Interested parties who believe they can meet these requirements may identify their capabilities by August 9, 2021.

This acquisition is set aside as a total small business opportunity. The applicable NAICS code is 334516 for analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. The sequencing system and associated data analysis software will support FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition in microbial genomics and metagenomics research guiding improved agricultural and food processing practices.