Spatial Tissue Exploration Program (STEP) of Human Brain Tumors

The Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research plans to procure, on a sole source basis, Spatial Tissue Exploration Program (STEP) analysis services of Human Centeral Nervous System (CNS) tumors samples from: Akoya Biosciences, Inc. 100 Campus Drive Marlborough, MA 01752 The response close date of the notice for this requirement is in accordance with FAR 5.203(a)(1). This acquisition will be awarded pursuant to the authority in FAR Part 13 and is exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6. The PhenoCycler chemistry developed by Akoya Biosciences is an automated workflow which utilizes antibodies labeled with specific oligonucleotide tags (barcodes). Barcodes and reporters (oligonucleotide conjugated with dyes) are iteratively hybridized and dehybridized through multiple cycles, enabling the multiplex immunofluorescence imaging beyond that of other methods. Multiplexing levels of fluorescent protein imaging via other methods are limited to 2-3 markers, due to the limited number of fluorescent channels that can be used simultaneously, and the limitation of stripping and re-probing. PhenoCylcer technology does not strip off antibodies and can go through many cycles of reporter imaging, including over 100 markers, which is critical given the need of the Laboratory of Pathology to limit the number of required samples needed to assess 17 markers. Further, the PhenoCycler technology offers highly multiplex, high-resolution fluorescent tissue imaging. It allows characterization of complex tissue architectures and microenvironments and enables single-cell level analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens which to NCI's knowledge are not compatible with most single-cell analysis technologies. This notice is not a request for competitive quotation. However, if any interested party, especially a small business, believes it can meet the above requirements, it may submit a proposal or quote for the Government to consider. The response and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient details to allow NCI to determine if the party can perform the requirement. Responses must be sent via email to the Contract Specialist, John Russell, at contact@example.gov by no later than 12:00 PM EST, on Friday, August 5th, 2022 (8/05/22). A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon 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. In order to receive an award, Contractors must be registered and have valid certification through SAM.GOV. Reference: (75N91022Q00152) on all correspondence. ***Please reference attached Statement of Work for more details pertaining to the nature of the work to be performed, as well as Terms and Conditions. ***