Whole Genome Methylation profiling and RNA sequencing in ?Sex Chromosome Aneuploidy

INTRODUCTION This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This acquisition is being conducted in accordance with the procedures of FAR Part 13 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures in combination with FAR 12.6 Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items. The Solicitation Number for this acquisition is HHS-NIH-NIDA-SSSA-CSS-16-843 and the solicitation is being issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP). THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY SOLICITATION AND A SEPARATE SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE ISSUED. SET ASIDE STATUS This is an unrestricted solicitation. NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code for this procurement is 325413 in-vitro diagnostic substance manufacturing and the Small Business Size Standard is 1250 employees. ACQUISITION AUTHORITY This acquisition is for a commercial item or service and is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13-Simplified Acquisition Procedures and FAR Part 12-Acquisition of Commercial Items, and is NOT expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-89, dated July 15, 2016. The resultant contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through this date. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT The National Institute of Mental Health Child Psychiatry Branch requires whole genome methylation and RNA sequencing services for an ongoing project examining the consequences of abnormal sex chromosome count on genome functioning. For continuity and consistency of research, we will require the use of Illumina BeadArray platform for the DNA methylation profiling. 1. Illumina 450K chip-based whole genome methylation measures a. DNA isolation with quality control b. Genotyping process and Beadchip per sample c. Data Analysis d. Deliver raw data and analysis transfer on hard disk 2. Single read RNAseq data for gene-wise expression profiling a. RNA isolation with quality control b. RNA library prep per sample c. Next-generation sequencing data analysis transfer on hard disk Period of Performance: The base period of performance shall be one year from notice of award. APPLICABLE CLAUSES AND PROVISIONS The following FAR clauses and provisions shall apply to this solicitation: 1. All Offerors MUST be actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov. 2. The provision at FAR clause 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items (April 2014), applies to this acquisition. 3. A completed copy of the provision at FAR clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (March 2015), is required with any offer submitted. This requirement may be met by completion of the provision in the System for Award Management. 4. FAR clauses 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items (May 2015) and 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items (May 2015) apply to this acquisition. 5. The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) are not applicable to this requirement. In addition, the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size must be included in the response. All Offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov." EVALUATION CRITERIA FAR clause 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items applies to this acquisition and the specific evaluation criteria to be included in paragraph (a) of that provision are as follows: The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation on the basis of best value, technical factors and price considered. Technical factors together shall be considered more important than price. The lowest price technically acceptable proposal will be selected for award on the basis of the contractor's ability to meet the requested items under the purpose & objectives. AWARD CRITERIA a. The acceptability of the technical portion of each contract offer will be evaluated by a technical review committee. The committee will evaluate each offer in strict conformity with the evaluation criteria of the solicitation. The committee may suggest that the Contracting Officer request clarifying information from an offeror. b. The business portion of each contract offer will be evaluated for reasonableness of the Offeror's firm to supply the services required. c. The selection for award will be based on the offer that proposes the best value to the Government. Potential for Award Without Discussions The Government reserves the right to award a contract without discussions if the Contracting Officer determines that the initial prices are fair and reasonable and that discussions are not necessary. Contracting Officer's Representative A Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will be identified at time of award. The COR is responsible for: (1) monitoring the Contractor's technical progress, including the surveillance and assessment of performance and recommending to the Contracting Officer changes in requirements; (2) interpreting the statement of work and any other technical performance requirements; (3) performing technical evaluation as required; (4) performing technical inspections and acceptances required by this contract; and (5) assisting in the resolution of technical problems encountered during performance. The Contracting Officer is the only person with authority to act as agent of the Government under this contract. Only the Contracting Officer has authority to: (1) direct or negotiate any changes in the statement of work; (2) modify or extend the period of performance; (3) change the delivery schedule; (4) authorize reimbursement to the Contractor for any costs incurred during the performance of this contract; or (5) otherwise change any terms and conditions of this contract. The Government may unilaterally change its COTR designation. Reporting Matters Involving Fraud, Waste and Abuse Anyone who becomes aware of the existence or apparent fraud, waste and abuse in NIH funded programs is encouraged to report such matters to the HHS Inspector general's Office in writing or the Inspector general's hotline. The toll free number is 1-800-HHS- TIPS (1-800-447-8477). All telephone calls will be handled confidentially. The email address is Htips@os.dhhs.gov and the mailing address is: Office of the Inspector general Department of Health and Human Services TIPS HOTLINE PO Box 23489 Washington, DC 20026 RESPONSE FORMAT Responses to this solicitation must include clear and convincing evidence of the offeror's capability of fulfilling the requirement as it relates to the technical evaluation criteria. The offeror must submit 1) a technical response and 2) a separate price quotation. The technical response should be prepared in reference to the evaluation criteria identified in this solicitation and may be up to seven. The price quotation must include the requirements listed above as well as associated pricing. Contractors must provide their Company Name, Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), Business Size, Physical Address, and Point of Contact Information in their responses. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov." NOTE Responses to this solicitation must include sufficient information to establish the interested parties' bona-fide capabilities of providing the product or service. The price quote shall include: unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, delivery days after contract award, delivery terms, prompt payment discount terms, F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), product or catalog number(s); product description; and any other information or factors that may be considered in the award decision. CLOSING STATEMENT All responses must be received by the closing date of this announcement and must reference solicitation number HHS-NIH-NIDA-SSSA-CSS-16-843. Responses shall be submitted electronically via email to Farrin Stanton , Contract Specialist, at Farrin.Stanton@nih.gov.