Notice of Intent to Sole Source : Invitrogen SuperScript™ IV reverse transcriptase kit

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intends to award a sole source firm fixed price purchase order to Fisher Scientific for Invitrogen SuperScript™ IV reverse transcriptase kit to transcribe RNA to cDNA to be able to perform genomic sequencing. The following items are needed for the continual work of NS3 analysis of SARS-CoV- 2 samples to track variants in US. Each week states send samples to CDC and the genomic sequencing laboratory sequences the samples and reports data to leadership and stakeholders. The reagent kit requested is one of many reagents used for processing SARS-CoV2 samples to prepare libraries for sequencing on Illumina genomic sequencers. The kit is for an enzyme reverse transcriptase to transcribe RNA to cDNA for the lab to then be able to perform genomic sequencing of the samples. The thermo enzyme SuperScript RV Reverse Transcriptase yields up to 100x higher cDNA enabling detection of low RNA levels, therefore improving sensitvity. The reaction time is only 10 minutes, which is much faster than other available reverse transcriptase enzymes on the market, enabling faster processing of SARS-CoV-2 samples. The SuperScript IV RT also has better resistance to contaminanting inhibitors enabling transcription from degraded or inhibitor containing samples. This enzyme has been validated for the CLIA certified next generation sequencing at CDC for SARS-CoV-2 and any deviation from the approved SOP would result in need to perform additional validation, verification, and approval, adding to work and time burden of current staff and delaying processing and analysis of SARS-CoV-2 samples and delaying variant surveillance data. 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) (SAP) and 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1).. 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 five (5) 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 William Brannen at [email protected] by 2:00 P.M. EST., July 8, 2022