66 -- ProteinChip Biology System

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to award, on a sole source basis a purchase order to Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc., 6611 Dumbarton Circle, Fremont, CA 94555. The purchase will be for a ProteinChip Biology System (ProteinChip Reader w/software) with AutoLoader and a Biomek 2000 with ProteinChip Biomarker System Integration Package. These systems will be used for high thruput screening of complex biological specimens for biomarker discovery in biological fluids including but not limited to saliva, urine, and cerebral spinal fluids. The robotic system includes the shaker/mixer accessory and rack designed for the Ciphergen arrays either in an 8 or 12 spot configuration. Bioprocessors 96 well plate format is designed and engineered to work with the Ciphergen chips in an 8 spot by 12 chip format. The Biomeck 2000 system has the identical robotics used in all Biomarker Centers, thus allowing direct transfer of method, protocols and software configurations. These systems include: One Protein Chip Reader Model PBS IIC, ProteinChip Software 3.1, ProteinChip Autoloader for reading of up to 24 arrays, bar code reader. This is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation is available. Firms that believe they can provide the required supplies are encouraged to identify themselves and give written notification to the Contracting Officer within 15 days from the date of this synopsis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquiries may be sent to Penny Lyle Norton by e-mail pnorton@cdc.gov.