Reagents for Whole Genome sequencing on the illumina Miseq and Nextseq platform

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTES OR PROPOSALS, NO SOLICITATION EXISTS AT THIS TIME.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)/Veterinary Services/National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL)/ Diagnostic Bacteriology and Pathology Laboratory in Ames, Iowa intends to award a sole source, Delivery Task Order to  Illumina, Inc (SAM UEI KMW3CRWNAAF3/CAGE 1WCS2), against Indefinite Quantity/Indefinite Delivery Contract# 1232SA20D0001.   This is an Urgent purchase for Reagents for Whole Genome sequencing on the illumina Miseq and Nextseq platform.  These Reagents are to be used for Whole Genome Sequencing on samples associated with the National TB Eradication Program, National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) antimicrobial resistance study, World Mycobacterium Bovis  (MB) Project and High Path Avian Influenza  (HPAI) outbreak.

Rationale for sole source purchase:

41 U.S.C § 1901 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures up to $7.5 million, as authorized by FAR 13.500(a) and implemented by FAR 13.501(a).

Justifications and approvals are required under this subpart for sole-source (including brand-name) acquisitions or portions of an acquisition requiring a brand-name.

And

FAR 13.501(a)(2)

unusual and compelling urgency

•  Illumina has the unique qualifications for this requirement because they are the only manufacturer and seller of the Miseq and Nextseq reagents. There is no other option to buy these items.

•  This is an urgent request as these reagents are needed for a current and ongoing outbreak response for the sequencing of HPAI (High Path Avian Influenza) in both Birds and Cattle in the U.S.  The recent increase in cattle testing has increased the need for these reagents to be available to The USDA National Centers for Animal Health in Ames, IA.  If these reagents are not available to them testing for HPAI will cease to be performed resulting in their inability to diagnose and follow the outbreak as it spreads across the United States.  The regents for whole genome sequencing are required to screen and diagnose mutations that may be occurring while the outbreak is occurring.

Background

  The mission of the NVSL DBPL MB Section is to Genotype bacterial pathogens and viruses that potentially cause disease in animals. DBPL MB also serves as a reference laboratory and frequently receives bacterial isolates for identification and/or Genotyping. This acquisition allows DBL MB to Genotype bacterial isolates quickly and efficiently. The sooner a pathogen can be Genotyped the faster proper treatment can be given to an animal or herd, steps taken to protect a herd or potential sources of zoonotic infections be determined.  Genotyping also helps to eliminate most of the on ground portion of tracing infected herds to an origin of infection.  Being able to trace a herd’s infection by using bacterial snips save millions of dollars per outbreak in random testing in the field.  The old method of tracing a source of infection required months of testing in the field to determine the source of infection.  Whole Genome Sequencing with an Illumina Miseq Machine has cut that time down to a few weeks and eliminated a large portion of the on ground investigation.  Because the procedure is simple and rapid, many isolates can be tested in a short amount of time. This is invaluable particularly during an outbreak.   Effective and timely maintenance is required to ensure effective sample turn around times.  Illumina guarantees same week repair of a broken machine and consumable reimbursement for any run that fails due to machine error.  

This Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive quotes or proposals.  No solicitation documents are available and telephone requests will not be honored.  However, if a firm believes it can meet the requirements it must furnish information about its products and services to the Contracting Officer by 4:00pm. Central Time (CT)  on the closing date of this notice.   Supporting evidence must be furnished in sufficient specifications and  detail to demonstrate the ability to comply with the above requirement.  The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, and the  Small business size standard is 1,000 Employees.

Responses received after the response date or without the required information will be deemed nonresponsive to the synopsis and will not be considered. Capability statements may be sent (via email only) to: Carol Dingess, Contracting Officer /Carol.Dingess@usda.gov.