IPS Stem Cell Training

Justification & Approval Project Information: IPS Stem Cell Training Period of Performace: 30 days after award Proposed Contractor: Stemgent, Inc. Description of what is to be acquired and the Benefit received by the Government: The services provided under this order include the following: Conduct training in September 2010 to instruct 24 IRP scientists in how to generate and culture mouse iPSCs. A total of 4 instructors are needed to teach the course, providing a high level of individual insttruction over a 3 day period. The course will include didactic information and "hands on" experience in making iPS cells. The company will provide reagents for generation of mouse and human iPS cells, as well as appropriate consumables. Specific, detailed explanation of why it is not feasible to obtain full and open competition: Sole Source Justification.The sole source determination is based upon the fact that Stemgent Inc. is uniquely qualified to train NIH investigators in mouse induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPS) derivation. Stemgent will provide four instructors, all unique specialists in the field of mouse and human iPS and Embryonic Stem Cell culture. Also, Stemgent, Inc. is the sole vendor who can fulfill the requirements of this order due to the fact that they will be using a proprietary lentiviral vector system to instruct participants in the generation of mouse iPS cells Statutory Authority: Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 13.106-1. (b) Soliciting from a single source. (1) For purchases ,not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting off,cers m'V solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, or industrial mobilization). No other requirement and/or type for supply or service will satisfy agency need.