Crystallization Grade Incubators

This is a notice of intent, not a request for a proposal. A solicitation document will not be issued and proposals will not be requested. National Institute on Drug Abuse, Office of Acquisitions-Neuroscience, Station Support/Simplified Acquisition (SS/SA) on behalf of the National Institute for Neurological Disorder and Stroke (NINDS) intends to negotiate and award a sole source purchase order to Molecular Dimensions, Inc, PO Box 1001, Apopka, Florida, 32704-1001 for the purchase of crystallization grade incubators (MD5-02) for storage of large numbers of crystallization experiments from throughput crystallization screens. National Institute for Neurological Disorder and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research on the regulation of the microtubule cytoskeleton and the defects in this regulation in neurodegenerative disorders. This study aimed at deciphering the high-resolution atomic structures of proteins that regulate the microtubule cytoskeleton and are defective in neurodegenerative disorders. One of the techniques used to unravel the high-resolution structure of these proteins is X-ray crystallography. This technique allows the visualization at Angstrom resolution of protein structure. This research requires the storage of tens of thousands of crystallization experiments in incubators that offer very stable temperature control and a vibration free environment. The research of three such incubators, each to be set at a different temperature since proteins are known to have different behavior and stability in crystallization trials depending on temperature, thus making temperature a critical variable in the crystallization experiment. Molecular Dimensions supplies the only cooled incubators specifically designed for crystal growth that requires very precise temperature control, high temperature stability over long periods of time and an essentially vibration free environment. The incubators supplied by Molecular Dimension are the only incubators on the market that offer +/- 0.5 degrees temperature variation and a vibration free environment. The acquisition is being conducted under simplified acquisition using FAR 13 procedures and is exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6, Competition Requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Interested parties may identify their interest and capabilities in response to this synopsis. The determination by the Government not to compete the proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely with the discretion of the Government. Comments to this announcement, referencing synopsis number 1110355 may be submitted to the NIDA, Station Support/Simplified Acquisition Branch, 31 Center Drive, Bldg 31, Room 1B59, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2080 and Attention: Jasmine Snoddy, Contract Specialist.