Pre-Solicitation Notice/Notice of Intent to Sole Source

The Department of the Interior's Interior Business Center, procuring on behalf of the National Cancer Institute's Center for Cancer Research, intends to sole-source one Miltenyi autoMACS NEO and MACS MiniSampler to replace an existing non-functional Miltenyi autoMACS Pro magnetic cell separator, with vendor responses due by 2 PM ET on July 23, 2026.

The acquisition is classified under NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) and represents a bona fide need of Fiscal Year 2026. The sole-source justification rests on continuity requirements: the incumbent system supports validated protocols and established research applications; transitioning to an alternative manufacturer would require extensive method revalidation, staff retraining, protocol redevelopment, and modification of ongoing research studies, creating increased costs and operational disruption.

Vendors proposing alternative cell separation instruments must demonstrate capability to meet salient characteristics: fully automated immunomagnetic cell separation with multi-sample processing, support for various sample materials, high-performance separation with reproducible results, integrated temperature control, hands-free operation, compatibility with existing workflows, and a compact footprint suitable for Building 41 Flow Cytometry Core laboratory. Alternate sources must also document manufacturer support for installation and maintenance and availability through government-wide vehicles such as GSA Federal Supply Schedules.

Responses must include vendor name, UEI, size standard, instrument description, reseller information if applicable, and availability documentation. The Government will not reimburse response preparation fees and does not guarantee an RFQ for competitive offerors. The acquisition will be issued under RFO Part 12 with no set-aside. No WTO GPA or FTA applicability is anticipated.