65--Intent to sole source Next Generation DNA Sequencing Oncomine Validation Services and Associated Supplies.

Page 1 of 2 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 13.106-1 For Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the SAT ($250K) Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C244-18-AP-0150 Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 04, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS), supported by NCO4 Pittsburgh. Purchase request 646-18-4-080-0616 applies. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount: This acquisition includes supplies and services. Supplies include system specific reagents fitted in cartridges, and chips necessary to conduct DNA gene sequencing of tumor tissue samples. System validation services are also included to ensure the system and operators are using the system as designed and achieving the correct results. Access to outside databases and the VA network are not required for this procurement. The period of performance for this contract is six (6) months with the objective being a validated system which will then be employed to read tumor samples for VAPHS patients and direct a knowledge based care protocol. Contract award needs to be made in FY18 to utilize budgeted funding. The estimated amount for this procurement is $160,410. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used: The supplies and software utilized by ThermoFisher Scientific s Ion Torrent S5 DNA sequencing system were designed for use in that system alone. The supplies and software are proprietary to ThermoFisher and there are no authorized licensees or distributors. There are no other known compatible suppliers. Per a ThermoFisher informational brochure on the S5 DNA sequencing system, All trademarks are the property of ThermoFisher Scientific and its subsidiaries unless otherwise specified. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted: An affirmative statement was provided by ThermoFisher Scientific that the system, supplies, and software are proprietary and there are currently no authorized licensees or distributors. There is one (1) other known vendor who provides a system similar to ThermoFisher Scientific however the system does not have the gene sequencing sensitivity required by VAPHS. It should also be noted the ThermoFisher Scientific solution was approved for use by the VAPHS Equipment Committee as the hospital s solution to meet the requirement and as such the equipment was procured in 2016 in furtherance of that purpose. A Sources Sought announcement for this procurement was published on GSA e-Buy on 7/27/2018. The Sources Sought was published on e-Buy under SIN 66 107 because the system itself was procured as a GSA Schedule buy under this SIN from a VOSB, Government Scientific Source which lists ThermoFisher as a Point of Production for this equipment and also carries a limited selection of related consumables. No inquiries were received in response to the Sources Sought. In addition, the Contracting Officer conducted searches of FBO, the VA s Electronic Contract Management System, and VetBiz database with negative results. See completed Market Research report in the contract file for detailed information. Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR13.106-1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Signature- Service Line Representative Signature- Contracting Officer