Notice of Intent to Sole Source-Purchase of Absolute-Q Autorun Single Configuration Digital PCR System

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intends to award a SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION for a firm fixed price purchase order to Life Technologies Corporation /ThermoFisher . Life Technologies Corporation /ThermoFisher will be responsible for providing an Absolute-Q Autorun Single Configuration Digital PCR System. Life Technologies Corporation / ThermoFisher is the manufacturer of the Absolute-Q Autorun Single Configuration Digital PCR (DPCR) System. The Absolute-Q- Autorun offers a unique combination of fixed-volume portioning digital PCR technology and fully automated sample loading/processing that meets the needs of the Preclinical Evaluation Team and is not available currently in any other DPCR system. The instrument is key to sensitively and quantitatively measure levels nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) within diverse sample matrix types (blood, mucosal secretions, tissue biopsies) from macaques in studies of HIV and sexually transmitted infection prophylaxis. Maximizing the analytical sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility of these quantitative measurements of pathogen- and host-associated nucleic acids is of fundamental importance to many of the program’s studies. The Absolute-Q Autorun Single Configuration Digital PCR System is only offered by Life Technologies which is part of ThermoFisher Scientific. Other alternative instruments were considered, however no other vendor can provide a PCR System to meet the laboratory's needs. This contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) and 10 U.S.C. 3406. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all quotations/responses received within fifteen (15) days of the issuance of this notice will be considered by the government. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any quotation/response should be emailed to contract specialist at [email protected] by COB 25 July, 2023.