The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Office of Acquisition (OA) on behalf of the National Human Genome Research Institute, (NHGRI), intends to negotiate and award a purchase order on a noncompetitive sole source basis to BD Biosciences, 2350 Qume Drive, San Jose, CA 95131-1807.

The sole source determination is based on the fact that National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the nation's leading medical research agency and the primary Federal agency conducting and supporting medical discoveries that improve people's health and save lives. The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch (GMBB), investigators in the Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch (GMBB) use molecular genetics techniques to identify and characterize genes involved in the normal development and function of many tissues. Additionally, researchers seek to identify disease-associated gene alterations and to understand how these genetic defects contribute to a range of human diseases, including anemia, cancer, and immune disorders. To accomplish their goal, they study the genetics of blood cells, cells of the immune system, and epithelial cells. They are particularly interested in the study of stem cells, which have the dual capabilities of self-renewal and differentiation into multiple mature cell lineages. GMBB investigators also use yeast cells as a model system to study genome replication and factors that affect genome stability and aging.

NHGRI/GMBB are currently using BD Biosciences FACSAria flow cytometer, which has 9-color capability and allows the user to get more information per cell from smaller sample volumes which saves time and money. This instrument is also critical for clinical applications in which the samples are rare and/or have very low cell numbers to work with. NHGRI is procuring a service contract on the FACSAria, which is both necessary and most cost effective due to the high cost of maintenance and upgrading without such an agreement. This instrument is extremely sensitive and requires multiple visits by the field engineers each year to adjust the lasers and the flow cell, which only the company can do. BD Biosciences is the sole manufacturer of the flow cytometer that requires service and can ensure the supply of spare or replacement parts which are unique to the FACSAria. BD Biosciences is the only provider that can supply instrument software revisions along with preventative maintenance inspections, technical telephone consulting and unlimited on-site service visits. No other sources is authorized to provide maintenance service to this system, must be a authorized BD Bioscience engineer or technician.

This purchase order will have a base year and two (2) option year periods.

Base: February 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013
Option 1: February 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014
Option 2: February 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015

The North American Classification System (NAICS) code applicable to this requirement is 811219 and the associated small business size standard is $19.0 Million Per Annum. The acquisition is being conducted under FAR Part 13, simplified acquisition procedures, therefore the requirements of FAR Part 6 B Competitive Requirements are not applicable (FAR Part 6.001) and the resultant purchase order will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 05-55 (January 3, 2011). This requirement is under the SAT of $150,000.00.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Interested parties may identify their interest and capabilities in response to this synopsis, by January 15, 2012 7:30 a.m. 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 procurement.

Inquires to this announcement, referencing synopsis number NHLBI-CSB-(HG)-2012-056-DLM, may be submitted to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Office of Acquisition, COAC Services Branch, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 6149, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7902, Attention: Dorothy Maxwell. Response 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.

Note: In order to receive an award from the NHLBI, contractors must have a valid registration in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) www.ccr.gov, and ORCA https://orca.bpn.gov/login.aspx.