66--MRSA TEST KIT ASSAYS

The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with BD GeneOhm Sciences, 6146 Nancy Ridge Drive, San Diego, California 92121 for the BD GeneOhm MRSA test kit. The BD GeneOhmT MRSA test kit is composed of the following assay specific reagents, which when used with the protocol and the Smart Cycler 2 instrument provide a definitive result within two hours. Sample buffer Tris-EDTA buffer, Lysis tube Glass beads, Master mix < 0.0005 % DNA polymerase complex,< 0.001% Internal Control - non-infectious DNA containing MRSA-primer binding sequences and a unique sequence for probe hybridization, < 0.002 % primers < 0.002 % molecular probes, < 0.05 % dATP, dCTP, dGTP, dTTP ,Bovine serum albumin, Carbohydrate MgCl2 < 0.001 % non-infectious Staphylococcus epidermidis genomic DNA (ATCC 14990)Control DNA Tris-EDTA buffer Carbohydrate < 0.001 % non-infectious genomic MRSA DNA (ATCC 43300), Diluent Tris-HCl buffer MgCl2 (NH4)2SO4 KCl. Vendors who wish to identify their interest and capability to provide an MRSA test assay compatible with the Smart Cycle 2 equipment, may notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, no later than 9:00 A.M. on September 20, 2007. Such notification must include a complete description of proposed test assays, including narrative and capabilities described above. Responses may be sent to contact@example.gov or mailed to Kathleen Policicchio, Contracting Officer, (04A1-H), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 7180 Highland Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Information received will be for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement or proceed with sole source negotiations. The determination to conduct a competitive procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the VAPHS Contracting Officer.