This notice announces the intent by the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) in support of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) to procure the Panther Fusion open access platform on a sole source basis from Gen Probe as prescribed in FAR Subpart 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items.

The deployment of the U.S. CDC Emergency Use Authorization assay has been plagued by problems with reagents, thus delaying implementation of testing in U.S. civilian and DOD laboratories. Currently deployed SARS-CoV-2 assays are executed on low throughput systems, thus limiting the ability to scale up to high-volume testing required in the dynamically changing epidemic situation.

The Panther Fusion open access platform is a high-throughput platform technology that can be implemented for rapid coronavirus detection, Gen Probe pan-coronavirus (OC43, HKU1, NC63, 229E) and Gen Probe SARS-CoV-2 EUA assays.  Gen Probe is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the Panther System, and that it owns the Intellectual Property for this system. It further certifies that the use of any third-party products on its proprietary system would render the warranty void for the system. Hologic has not licensed or granted to any third party the right to provide maintenance and support services for the system. Only Hologic trained service personnel are authorized to service the DTS and Panther System.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement is 339112 and FSC 6515.

This Special Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive quotes. Information received in response to this notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether a competitive procurement is in the best interest of the Government.

All questions and responses concerning this notice shall be emailed to Brian Miller at [email protected].

Interested concerns must identify their capability in writing to the above email address listed above no later than 5:00 PM ET, 14 March 2020.