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.

For equipment/supply requirements, responses must include: (1) the place of manufacturing (i.e. address if supply/equipment is a domestic end product and include country of manufacture), as well as (2) the size status of the manufacturer under the applicable NAICS code (i.e. address Non-Manufacturer Rule). 

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. 

The Functional Genomics Laboratory (FGL) at NCATS conducts high-throughput siRNA screens in collaboration with intramural NIH investigators as well as extramural collaborators. siRNAs down-regulate target genes possessing corresponding sequence complementarity. This is instrumental in interrogating a specific gene’s function in the context of any biology that can be assayed. FGL's workflow encompasses assay development, screening, and initial follow-up. To conduct this work, NCATS requires a large quantity of a lipid transfection agent to be able to conduct primary and secondary screens. This request is for a lipid based transfection reagent that is specifically compatible with FGL’s transfection protocol and automated workflow.

Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this acquisition is to acquire fifty (50) vials of Lipofectamine® RNAiMAX Transfection Reagent or Equal that meet all salient characteristics.