The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Office of Acquisitions (OA), on behalf of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), intends to negotiate and award a purchase order on a noncompetitive sole source basis to Applied Biosystems, 850 Lincoln Center Drive, Foster City, CA 94404-1128 for the following equipment:

- TF, Big-Dye Terminator v3.1 RR-5000 & Sequencing Buffer (4437457)

Big-Dye chemistry is required to process DNA sequencing on the 3730 DNA Analyzer already in place. Samples and primers are received from the scientists, processed and analyzed, and the results are sent via computer. This data is a vital component of scientific experiments and journal publications. Sequencing cannot be performed without this reagent.

The sole source determination is based on the fact that this reagent is specifically designed by, and solely available through, Applied Biosystems for use on the 3730 automated sequencer in the DNA Sequencing Core facility. Changing variables at this time would prevent correct interpretation of the experiments in progress.

The delivery point is the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), Bethesda, MD 20892.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, and the associated small business size standard is 500. The acquisition is being conducted under FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures; therefore the requirements of FAR Part 6, Competitive Requirements, are not applicable and the resultant purchase order will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-44 (July 8, 2010). However, this solicitation is not set aside for small businesses.

Interested parties may identify their interest and capabilities in response to this synopsis by September 7, 2010 at 3:00pm Eastern Standard Time. The determination by the Government not to compete the 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 future competitive procurements.

Inquiries to this announcement, referencing synopsis number NHLBI-PB-(DE)-2010-312-JML, may be submitted to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Office of Acquisitions, Procurement Branch, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6151, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7902, Attention: Jonathan Lear. Responses may be submitted electronically to [email protected]. Faxes will not be accepted. Responses will only be accepted if dated and signed by an authorized company representative.