Notice of Intent to Negotiate a Sole Source Contract

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), intends to negotiate a sole source contract with Pacific Biosciences located in Menlo Park, California, for the purchase of DNA template prep kits, SMRT cell 8Pac v3, DNA polymerase binding kits, DNA sequencing kits, DNA sequencing bundles, MagBead kits, SMRT cell oil, AMPure PB, tube septa, sample plate septa, sequencing plate septa, sample plates, mixing plates and pipet tips for use in the PacBio system present at the US Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, NE. These are the required supplies for preparation of DNA sequence reactions in high-throughput system for use on Pacific Biosciences RS equipment already present in ARS. The Pacific Biosciences RS system is a state-of-the-art instrument for collecting single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing reads that average >10x longer than other high-throughput instruments. The instrument depends on specific configurations of supplies that are only available from the instrument manufacturer, which will be used in existing equipment. . Pacific Biosciences is the sole manufacturer, supplier and distributor of the testing supplies for this instrument. The research requirement for these supplies creates the need to negotiate a sole source award for the procurement action described above. This is a notice of intent and is not a request for competitive quotations or proposals. No solicitation is available. Firms that believe they can provide these products are encouraged to identify themselves and provide a substantive statement with descriptive literature and any other supporting information to the Contracting Officer within 10 days of publication of this notice. All information received within 10 days of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government to determine if the more than one firm can meet the Government's requirements and is capable of performing the intended task(s). All responses must be in writing and may be faxed to the attention of Donita Furman, fax 402-762-4148, or by email to donita.furman@ars.usda.gov. Questions concerning this acquisition must be directed to Donita Furman at 402-7962-4145 or at the above contact information.