Acquisition of an integrated cell process device for automated, closed-environment manufacturing of cellular products by automation in a functionally closed env...

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICEThis 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.Background: The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which mission

it is to catalyze the generation of innovative methods and technologies that will enhance the development, testing and implementation of diagnostics and therapeutics across a wide range of human diseases and conditions.Purpose and Objectives: In support of its stated mission to bring more treatments to more patients more quickly, NCATS is in need of instrumentation to allow it to generate and conduct research on CAR T cells. This field represents a cutting edge therapeutic approach which is quickly gaining traction as a safe and effective anticancer therapy, and its reach is still expanding.Project requirements: NCATS is in need of an integrated cell processing device that allows manufacturing of cellular products by automation in a functionally closed environment. The requested automated, standardized cell manufacturing processes will enable NCATS to conduct research with innovative cellular therapies not currently accessible. NCATS is in need of a device that includes the following specifications:" Compact benchtop cell processing device (730.5×400×480 mm, w/o bag hangers)" Internal 8.4" TFT touchscreen monitor" Integrated cell processing from blood, bone marrow, leukapheresis product, or tissue" preparations to final product" Various single-use tubing sets for standardized processes and customized applications" Closed fluid path channeled by roller pump and 24 pinch valves" CentriCult Unit for centrifugation, temperature-controlled incubations, and cell culture" Disposable centrifugation chamber (400 ml) for up to 400 g acceleration" Automatic boundary layer detection" Controlled atmosphere via gas-mix unit for CO2, N2 and air" Temperature control from 4 - 38°C" Automated feeding and harvesting" Integrated cell culture microscope" MACS® cell separation unit for CliniMACS® Separation Columns" Multiple CliniMACS® Reagents for separation of various cell types" Network access via Ethernet interface (10/100Mbit) - upcoming feature" Remote diagnostics and support via internet access - upcoming feature" Two-dimensional bar code reader" 3 x USB-2, CompactFlash card reader" Status monitoring via indicator lamp on left bag hanger" Integrated speaker and alarm buzzer" Two independent, potential free relays for integration into alarm systemThese specifications are crucial to NCATS's stated need for "an integrated cell processing device that allows manufacturing of cellular products by automation in a functionally closed environment."Anticipated period of performance: One-time delivery within eight (8) weeks AROResponses shall include a capabilities statement and the following information:• respondents' opinions about the difficulty and/or feasibility of the potential requirement or proposed acquisition, possible solutions and approaches that may currently exist in the marketplace, and information regarding innovative ideas or concepts;• information regarding respondents': (a) staff expertise, including their availability, experience, and formal and other training; (b) current in-house capability and capacity to perform the work; (c) prior completed projects of similar nature; (d) corporate experience and management capability; and (e) examples of prior completed Government contracts, references, and other related information;• general information regarding the respondent's estimate or rough order of magnitude of the effort or time that may be required for completion of the work. (NOTE: This type of information may only be requested as part of an RFI. However, care must be exercised in requesting such information. Information requested must be: (a) necessary; (b) broad in scope; and (c) used for planning purposes only. Detailed estimates must not be requested.);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 must be in and 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 and Contracting Officer. Facsimile responses are NOT accepted.The response must be submitted to Jessica Adams, Contract Specialist, at e-mail address jessica.adams@nih.gov.The response must be received on or before April 25, 2018, 1:00pm, 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)."