Preventative Maintenance for NexSeq 500

The National Institutes of Health intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Illumina, Inc.

The Genomics and Computational Biology Core (GCB), provides DNA sequencing support for the NIH-NIDCD intramural program. The NextSeq500 is used to identify genetic mutations in DNA, or characterize and quantify the RNA representation in specific tissues or cells. This instrument uses a laser to excite chemical reactions on a flowcell, a microscope lens and a camera to capture images of the excitation, a fluidics pump system to deliver chemical reagents, a refrigeration unit to store chemicals, a peltier device to control temperature on the flowcell, and a large data storage computer to operate the software and store the image data. iScan is used for microarray analysis to detect differentially expressed genes.

The purpose of this acquisition is to provide a comprehensive plan contract to keep the Illumina Instruments, unit in the laboratory operating within the GLP standards, to prevent problems and downtime, and to quickly repair the instrument should the need arise, minimizing the impact of broken instruments on the researchers who rely on them. This plan covers full coverage for parts, labor, HW failures, remote and on-site technical support; support, HW/SW updates, and discounts on advanced training. The most qualified technicians are ones that have been trained directly by Illumina, the manufacturer. The scientists and technicians who work in the laboratory performing biological experiments, the building maintenance staff, and the technicians in the DSEIS at NIH are not qualified to perform repair or PM work on these instruments.

Responses
The proposed acquisition action is for items and services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1 (b). If you believe you can provide the items or services requested, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, which shall be considered by the agency, to the Contracting Officer, Anne Mineweaser, at anne.mineweaser@nih.gov referencing notice number NIH-OLAO-OD3-NOI5228138 by 11:00A.M. on February 6, 2019. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract acquisition based upon responses to the notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.
This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed. Information provided will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for the potential requirement and may lead to the development of a solicitation. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted.

Any solicitation resulting from the analysis of information obtained will be announced to the public in Federal Business Opportunities in accordance with the FAR Part 5. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).

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