66--Custom Array Gene Plates

The U.S. EPA's National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory is in need of custom array gene plates and reagents to determine changes in gene expression following exposure of pregnant rodents to phthalate compounds. These gene array plates need to be prepared for use in both a BioRad iCycler using green dye as a marker and for use in a Rotorgene Q iCycler also using a green dye marker. These are in house machines from which the EPA will use to obtain data. The first plates need to be 96x1 well plates that are created to contain 84 unique genes that EPA researchers selected which are involved in the steroid hormone pathway. (This is a reorder of these EPA custom designed plates). This allows for testing of the response of these different genes in one sample at one time. The plates for the Rotorgene Q machine are 100 tube disk format. In order to obtain data from these plates, the EPA also requires unique reagents such as the SYBR green fluro mastermix and the SYBR green ROX FAST mastermix. In addition, the EPA needs the RT2 first strand kit to convert its samples from RNA to cDNA. This research is aimed at identifying the mechanism of action of reduced fetal hormones levels. The custom gene arrays are uniquely generated by Qiagen and are tailored to evaluate genes involved in rodent steriodogenesis. Qiagen is believed to be the only supplier of this PCR custom array system created to contain unique reverse transcriptase controls, which is a proprietary primer assay design algorithm unique to Qiagen. These controls are required to ensure that the data collected from samples is acceptable to use. This is mandatory because the EPA is continuing to evaluate samples from a themusing the exact same Qiagen custom array gene plates). Using another vendor would NOT be acceptable because scientist would be unable to compare prior sample data since the plate would not be exactly the same as the Qiagen plates. EPA scientists are evaluating critical samples with very small amounst of sample product to test. These plates allow the EPA to maximize its samples by being able to evaluate 84 gene changes on a single plate. These array plates are being used to continue an ongoing research. If an alternate supplier were to make these same arrays, they would need to FULLY duplicate Qiagen's proprietary array design and demonstrate that they can perform quality control tests according to Qiagen's standards. The circumstance permitting Other than Full and Open Competition is FAR 6.302-1 Sole Source, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or service will satisfy agency requirements. All interested parties who believe they can provide the required product should fully explain their capabilities and qualifications in writing within 5 days from the date of this announcement. The intent of this synopsis is to state the Government's intention to sole source this acquisition to Qiagen Inc. Therefore, no solicitation (RFQ) is available. Consequently, any response(s) failing to provide the aforementioned data but instead choosing merely to submit a routine letter requesting a copy of the RFQ will not be honored. Offerors must submit all technical questions / responses concerning this synopsis electronically through FedConnect. Notices of any modifications to this FBO procurement announcement, including Requests for Proposals and amendments, will be posted using the FedConnect web portal. FedConnect can be accessed at https://www.fedconnect.net/Fedconnect/ . Questions regarding the content of the subject announcement must be submitted through the FedConnect portal. 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