Procurement of Becton Dickinson (BD) FACSMelody flow cytometry cell sorter system for the VA Bronx Medical Center

The VA Service Area Office East (SAO-E) R&D Contracting office, intends to negotiate on a sole-source basis with Becton Dickinson & Co. (BD), One Becton Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, for the procurement of a BD FACSMelody flow cytometry cell sorter system for the R&D laboratory at the VA Bronx Medical Center, 130 W. Kingsbridge Rd., Bronx, NY 10468. Included is installation of equipment, VA staff training, supply of needed reagents, one-year warranty with servicing and maintenance for years 1-5.



This procurement is being conducted in accordance with FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(b)(only 1 responsible source) because the Government believes that BD is the only manufacturer/seller/installer/servicer of these units and that only these units have the technology that is clinically acceptable for use . Salient characteristics:



System is alignment-free.  Laser and optical alignment are fixed alignments (no stepper motors) and require no user alignment;



Gel-coupled quartz cuvette where the laser beams interrogates the cells;



Removable nozzle which can be sonicated. This nozzle must be keyed and requires no optical/laser system alignment when replaced;



Automated system startup including de-bubbling of the sheath fluid, automated optimization of the drop-drive frequency, sheath pressure and amplitude; 



Includes 3 spatially separated lasers of the following wavelengths:  488 nm, 640 nm, and 405 nm to provide up to 9 colors of detection;



Optical filters with electronic identifier chips. This identifier chip communicates with computer updating system configuration after a filter has been changed;



Temperature control of the sample and the sort tube holder;



Ability to upgrade to sort into a temperature controlled holder which supports 6-, 24-, 48-, 96- and 384-well plates;



Optional Class II Type A2 biological safety cabinet which has a built in aerosol management system with a separate motor so the hood and aerosol management system can be tested individually;



Has a completely automated Daily QC system;



Automated setup, optimization, and monitoring of droplet breakoff and sort streams;



This notice of intent is not for competitive quotes. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) number is 334516, small business size standard of 1,000 employees. This notice is NOT a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation document is available. However, parties may express their interest accompanied by supporting literature by email to Jeff Greis, Contracting Officer, no later than 8/22/17 @ 1000 ET. Responses should be sent to jeffrey.greis@va.gov. No telephone responses will be accepted. Information received will be for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement or proceed with a sole-source procurement. The determination to conduct a competitive procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer.



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