Custom Gene Sequencing

THIS IS A SOLE / SINGLE SOURCE, NON-COMPETITIVE NOTICE. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. This sole / single source, non-competitive notice is prepared in accordance FAR Parts 5 and 13. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. FAR Part 6 - Competition Requirements, is not applicable to contracts awarded using the simplified acquisition procedures of FAR Part 13, not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. This announcement constitutes the only notice; proposals are not being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The resultant acquisition will be conducted in accordance with FAR Part 13, simplified acquisition procedures and the resultant purchase order will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-38. The total estimated amount of this contract is NOT expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $100,000.00. The proposed period of performance for this requirement is twelve months. The intended procurement will be classified under North American Industry Classification System code 541990, with size standard of $7.0 Million. Market Research conducted by the Government in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 10, Market Research, has determined that the sole / single source reference, is currently the only company that can provide the services / items specified herein. THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Office of Acquisition (OA), for the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), intends to negotiate and award a purchase order on a sole source noncompetitive basis to Beckman Coulter Genomics, Inc. formerly (Agencourt Bioscience Corp.) 500 Cummings Center, Suite 2450, Beverly, MA 01915 to perform custom sequencing of patients DNA sample for mutations in the genes involved in the following rare diseases and disorders: alkaptonuria, ARPKD, ADPKD, Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome and albinism. In order to provide patients prognosis, anticipation for development of symptoms and possible treatment options it is important to identify the gene defect. The vendor will perform PCR amplification, sequencing, validation of results, and will make all data available through a secure website. The vendor will provide the following: - Primer design and validation - will work with the NHGRI principal investigator to design and validate primer-sets for amplification and sequencing of specific genes if needed. - Custom PCR and Sequencing - The NHGRI principal investigator will provide batches of patients DNA (between 6 and 70 genomic DNA samples at once). The vendor will perform PCR amplification, followed by DNA sequencing in a high-throughput sequencing system. - Results - The sequencing results will be posted on the secure website for not more than 3 months, in that time the NHGRI researchers can transfer the results to their own files for analysis and storage. - Data Analysis Support - The vendor will provide ad-hoc queries and access to the data set for all of the data retained in their central, data repository. The sole source determination is based upon the fact that the vendor has optimized primer design and validation for each of the 5 diseases being studied and serviced this institute for the last 3 years. The current sequencing projects are part of ongoing studies under various current protocols. Result outputs to the lab are also now consistent due to a standard program set up for lab researchers to analyze results. To make award to another vendor at this time would be inefficient. The government would incur additional cost through up-front set up costs. Therefore, an award to any other source is not feasible or practical. The contract will be awarded using the simplified acquisition procedures of FAR Part 13 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures, therefore the requirements of FAR Part 6 - Competitive Requirements are not applicable (FAR Part 6.001). Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit a response. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Responses to this announcement, referencing synopsis number NHLBI-PB-(HG)-2010-068-TMB may be submitted to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Office of Acquisitions, Procurement Branch, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 6042, Bethesda, MD 20892-7902, Attention: Tracy Brooks. Responses may be submitted electronically to brookstr@nhlbi.nih.gov. Responses will only be accepted if dated and signed by an authorized company representative. Responses are due January 27, 2010 at 7:30am Eastern Standard Time. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.