10X Genomics Chromium Connect Assurance Plan

This is a Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classification (large business, small business, 8(a), SDVOSB, etc.), relative to NAICS code 811210 (size standard of $22 million). Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made as a result of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only. Background: The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translational Laboratory (SCTL) is a state-of-the-art research facility within NCATS Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation is dedicated to addressing the scientific and technological challenges in the iPSC field. Specifically, the SCTL aims to develop a renewable supply of human cell-based models focusing on new patient-derived iPSC lines that give rise to specialized, functional nerve cells that are relevant for opioid misuse, addiction, and pain. Single-cell sequencing methods have become widely used in every project that the SCTL has pursued to date. The SCTL has developed protocols for derivation of multiple major novel cell types from human pluripotent stem cells (embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells), such as nociceptor cells, multiple subtypes of neurons, astrocytes, glial cells, or trophectodermal/trophoblast cells. In the past year, organoid cultures have been added to the list of routinely used techniques. At the same time, the SCTL is in the process of starting a number of collaborations with external expert research groups. These collaborations expand the in-vitro models by a number of novel cell types and methods. For all of these, single-cell sequencing applications are a cornerstone. Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this acquisition is to purchase a one (1) year Assurance Plan for the 10X Genomics Chromium Connect, with an option for an additional one (1) year contract. The Chromium Connect by 10X Genomics is a platform for automation of single-cell library construction workflows, such as 3' RNA sequencing, ATAC sequencing or DNA copy number variant analysis. These workflows offer insight into transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes on the single-cell level with unprecedented detail, however, they are extremely laborious. A single library preparation protocol for 1 to 8 samples for 3' RNA sequencing application can take a skilled researcher as many as 3 or more days. Automation of the protocols minimizes hands-on time and greatly increases sample throughput. Additionally, it leads to standardization of the procedures and virtually eliminates technical variation. The Assurance Plan ensures the Chromium Connect is operating optimally, is serviced annually, and any issues can be addressed in a timely manner. Capability Statement: Interested parties are expected to review this notice to familiarize itself with the requirements of this product or service. Failure to do so will be at your firm's own risk. Respondents must provide, as part of their response: (a) product, catalog, model, and/or part number(s); (b) product description; (c) best estimated delivery date after receipt of order; (d) all relevant information and documentation that the item(s) offered meets the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics as specified in this announcement. Respondents that believe that they are authorized resellers of the equipment described in this announcement may provide, in addition to the aforementioned information, as part of their response: quantity; estimated price or cost; shipping, handling, and/or installation charges. The respondent must also provide their DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc.) pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements. One (1) copy of the response is required and must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format using 11point or 12point font, 8-1/2" x 11" paper size, with 1" top, bottom, left and right margins, and with single or double spacing. The response is limited to ten (10) page limit. The 10-page limit does not include the cover page, executive summary, or references, if requested. The information submitted must be in an outline format that addresses each of the elements of the product requirement. A cover page and an executive summary may be included but is not required. The response must include the respondents' technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and email addresses. Respondents must reference announcement number NCATS-SS-22-004930 on all correspondence related to this Sources Sought notice. The response must be submitted to kim.stapleton@nih.gov and be received prior to the closing date specified in this announcement. Concluding Statements: Disclaimer and Important Notes. 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 to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to perform the work. 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. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. Confidentiality. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any nonproprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).