Intent to Award - Illumina Inc. Reagents

The USDA, ARS, PSR, Eastern Regional Genotyping Lab Dept. of Crop Science, NCSU, 100 Derieux Place, 4118 Williams Hall, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) with Illumina, Inc. 5200 Illumina Way, San Diego, CA for reagents for 384 multiplex SNP detection. This procurement is being conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) - Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy the agency's requirement. These reagents would be used to gather SNP data for large numbers of DNA samples in conjunction with the Plant Science Research Unit's genetic investigation of complex traits of plants. In order to determine perform marker-assisted breeding, detection of 384 SNP for each of 1440 barley samples are required. Reagents requirements: Must be compatible for use on an Illumina BeadXpress instrument capable of performing barley SNP genotyping and multiplexing for 384 SNP per sample. Must have ability to genotype samples of low quality genomic DNA isolated using SDS protocol. Must be compatible with previously identified, standardized assay conditions requiring no assay optimization and permitting rapid establishment of new assays without redevelopment. Must be able to detect small insertions and deletions in addition to SNPs with the standardized assay. Must have demonstrated ability to do SNP genotyping for complex genome such as barley and wheat. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact above not later than 3:00pm CST on August 31, 2012. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. No RFQ will be issued based upon this Notice of Intent. Interested parties may submit any information for consideration by the Government to Michael Douglas, Contract Specialist at the email address listed above with the solicitation number referenced in the subject line.