Notice of Intent to Sole Source Cyten F.sight Single Cell Dispenser NIH-SS- 6421859 The National Institutes of Health intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order to CELLINK LLC, 2000 Kraft DR STE 2125 Blacksburg, Virginia 24060-6765. In accordance with FAR Part 6.302-1, the Contractor is the only known responsible source who can provide the subscription service as no other source has been identified who can provide the requirement listed below. The requirement is for the Division of Intramural Research (DIR) at NIDCD performs research to improve our understanding of the biological bases of communication disorders. As part of this effort, members of the DIR perform basic research to better understand the genetic factors that regulate cellular function in the inner ear. Project title. NIDCD Fluorescent Single Cell Isolation The inner ear is comprised of a number of unique cell types including mechanosensory hair cells, surrounding supporting cells, spiral ganglion neurons, intermediate, marginal and basal cells in the stria vascularis. Defects in the development or function of any of these cell types can lead to cell death or dysfunction which typically results in hearing loss. A key step towards a better understanding of the development and function of these cells will be to comprehensively characterize their gene expression. Therefore, multiple laboratories within the DIR seek to isolate specific cell types from the ear under normal or pathological conditions in order to characterize them transcriptionally. These data can then be used to better understand the function of these cells and to identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions. As discussed, the inner ear is comprised of a large diversity of specialized cell types, all of which are required for normal function. However, because of the small size of the inner ear, the number of any particular cell type in a single inner ear is very low. Recent advances in transcriptional profiling have made it possible to transcriptionally characterize single cells. This is a significant step forward, but it also puts a larger emphasis on being able to isolate a significant number of cells of interest in such a way that they are undamaged. Transgenic animals can be used to fluorescently label cells of interest which will then be isolated as single cells for subsequent transcriptional analysis. The purpose of this requirement is to allow the capture of a significant number of specialized cells so that they can be characterized at a transcriptional level. The requested piece of equipment, the F.Sight Single Cell Dispenser by Cellink/Cytena offers a unique platform for the isolation and capture of single cells. In particular, the platform combines droplet formation, which ensures cell heath, with visual confirmation of single cell isolations. Moreover, the fluorescent status of each cell is also confirmed during the droplet formation process. Finally, each confirmed single fluorescent cell is then dispensed into a single well with a minimum of additional liquid volume. This process is optimal for subsequent transcriptomic analysis. Nature of the acquisition and proposed unique qualifications of the contractor(s). The Cyten F.sight Single Cell Dispenser combines a rapid but gentle nozzle isolator with Fluorescent screening and visual confirmation of single cell isolations. This system allows the isolation of single cells with visual confirmation and fluorescent screening. The system is gentle on cells, ensuring no damage to the cell, which can alter transcriptional expression, but also relatively rapid, which is also important to prevent cell death or damage. Finally, the system requires a relatively small number of starting cells, on the order of several thousand, which is ideal for inner ear. The following aspects of the system are unique. 1. Patented single cell dispensing technology that uses droplet formation to gently isolate single cells, which minimizes damage to the cell or its mRNAs 2. Each droplet is visually screened to ensure that only a single cell is present in each droplet. 3. Each individual cell is also screened for expression of green fluorescent protein, ensuring that only cells of interest are captured. 4. All isolated, validated single cells can be sorted into standard 96- or 384-well plates with a minimum of additional liquid which is ideal for subsequent transcriptional profiling. 5. The instrument uses a disposable EASY.ON microfluidic cartridge for all cell handling. Because these cartridges can be easily replaced, risk of cross-contamination between different samples is significantly reduced. The F.sight single cell dispenser will be a valuable resource for multiple laboratories within the NIDCD DIR. No other available instrument offers the combination of gentle single cell isolation with visual confirmation of isolated cells and fluorescent screening. The ability of this instrument to isolate single cells from small starting samples of fluorescently labeled cells will significantly enhance our ability to profile unique cell types within the inner ear. This notice is not a request for competitive quotes. However, any party that believes it can provide the Cyten F.sight Single Cell Dispenser product as stated herein may submit a written capability statement that clearly supports and demonstrates their ability to perform the requirement. Responses to this notice shall contain sufficient information to establish the interested parties’ bona-fide capabilities for fulfilling the requirement and include: unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, the delivery period after contract award, the prompt payment discount terms, the F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size. A determination by the Government to compete this proposed award based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. In order to be considered for an award, an offeror must have completed the online electronic Representations and Certifications located at https://www.sam.gov in accordance with FAR 4.1201(a). By submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in SAM at https://www.sam.gov/ prior to award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation (Lack of registration in the System for Award Management will make an offeror ineligible for award). All responsible sources may submit an offer that may be considered by the Agency. It is anticipated that an award will be issued approximately five (5) days afterthe date of this notice unless the Government determines that another organizationhas the capability to meet this requirement. Please email responses to
[email protected] no later than 9:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.