Development of Analyses of Y-chromosome STRs

This is a notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract with IBIS Biosciences, Inc., a subsidiary of Abbot Molecular, 1896 Rutherford Road, Carlsbad, CA 92008-7326, for research and development in accordance with FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The FBI Laboratory has established the use of mass spectrometry for forensic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) examinations based on the IBIS Biosciences MS Platform, T-5000. IBIS Biosciences has also conducted independent research into Y-chromosome STRs; an area that the FBI wants to develop further to improve DNA genotyping methods. The IBIS approach is based on Electrospray Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (ESI-TOFMS). The FBI Laboratory's experience with lineage based forensic DNA markers and its expertise with the mass spectrometry platform indicate that this research is the next phase of R&D necessary to further develop analyses of Y-chromosome STRs. IBIS will be required to: 1. develop a panel of forensic Y-chromosome DNA markers, including developmental validation studies and production of a standard protocol; and 2. provide on site training for the technology transfer of methods and materials developed for the analysis of nucleic acids by ESI-TOFMS for the Y-chromosome DNA assay. Further developing the Y-STR analysis using ESI-TOFMS will enable the FBI to streamline the analysis of both Y-STRs and mtDNA by combining parts of procedures and eliminating redundancy. The expectation is approximately a 50% savings in time and money. Extensive research conducted with knowledgeable individuals in Government and the related industry has determined IBIS Biosciences, Inc. the only responsible source capable of meeting the FBI's requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, interested parties may identify their interests and capability to respond to this requirement or submit proposals to this office by 3:00PM EST, July 7, 2009 to Mr. David V. Smith via fax @ 703-632-8480 or by email to David.V.Smith@ic.fbi.gov. All correspondence shall reference RFP 09-P-133040. Phone calls will NOT be accepted. Information received will be used solely to determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The awardee must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration Database and the Online Representations and Certifications. In addition, interested parties must also be registered and have completed the On-Line Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). Information and registration details can be found at http://orca.bpn.gov. This notice will be distributed solely through the General Services Administration's (GSA) Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website: www.fedbizopps.gov. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring the FBO website to ensure they have the most up-to-date information about this acquisition.