Next Generation Sequencing System

This is a Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of all qualified sources to perform a potential requirement.This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition.  It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract.  Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes.  No award will be made as a result of this notice.  The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice.  This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only.Statement of Need and Purpose:  The Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics requires a Next Generation Sequencing system (NGS).Background Information and Objective:

The NIA currently has four sequencing systems. A HiSeq 2500 (LGG, CBC), a MiniSeq (LMBI), a newly purchased NovaSeq 6000 (LGG, CBC) and an iSeq (LGG, CBC). The MiniSeq and iSeq are small output instruments and serves best for library quality determinations and shallow sequencing of small genomes. NIA-IRP acquired the HiSeq 2500 sequencer in 2013. Since then it has been the main sequencing machine to serve the needs of the NIA-IRP PIs. However, this machine is now obsolete, and the manufacturer no longer develops kits and software to increase the output from this machine. To replace the obsolete HiSeq 2500 and support the high depth sequencing requirements of the NIA, a NovaSeq 6000 was acquired in 2019. The NovaSeq 6000 is intrinsically designed for large scale projects such as BLSA or GESTALT sample sequencing and will primarily handle that work-load (replacing the HiSeq2500). The NovaSeq has the capability for smaller runs but cannot be operated to concurrently run small and large projects. Thus, to cater to the multiple small-scale projects of individual units and sections at NIA that require fast turnaround, a new Next Generation Sequencing system is required.Purchase Description/Salient Characteristics: A next generation sequencing system offering an intuitive workflow that enables the widest range of applications on a benchtop sequencing system. Seeking innovations such as:Blue-green 2 channel SBS chemistry superior to red-green chemistrySuper resolution opticsUltra-high density patterned flow cellsOn-board bioinformatics on the DRAGEN Bio-IT PlatformSingle integrated cartridge for user-friendly operationsQTY: 1 systemDelivery Date: 30 days after receipt of purchase orderCapability Statement/Information Sought: The capability statement should include 1) the total number of employees, 2) documentation of ability to provide the required equipment, 3) any contractor GSA Schedule contracts by which all of the requirements may be met, if applicable, and 4) any other information considered relevant to this program.The respondent must also provide their DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc., pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements.One (1) copy of the response is required and must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format using 11-point or 12-point font, 8-1/2” x 11” paper size, with 1” top, bottom, left and right margins, and with single or double spacing.The information submitted must be in an outline format that addresses each of the elements of the project requirement and in the capability statement /information sought paragraphs stated herein.  A cover page and an executive summary may be included but is not required.The response is limited to ten (10) page limit.  The 10-page limit does not include the cover page, executive summary, or references, if requested.The response must include the respondents’ technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses.All responses to this notice must be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist.  Facsimile responses are NOT accepted.The response must be submitted to Rashiid Cummins (Contract Specialist) at e-mail address Rashiid.Cummins@nih.gov.The response must be received on or before May 1st, 2020, 3:00pm, Eastern Time.“Disclaimer and Important Notes:  This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work.Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).”