Introduction

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.  

Project Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Vaccine Production Program (VPP) is seeking a Syntax System Model 200 (Brand Name or Equal) to provide on-demand synthesis of oligonucleotides. The instrument oligo bioprinter requested can produce 96 x 120 nucleotide base oligos. These oligos will create a gene that encodes a vaccine or a biotherapeutic candidate.

Specifically, NIAID, VRC is seeking a Syntax System Model 200 that can perform the following applications:

Need for one (1) High-throughput Syntax System Model 200.  This instrument should include the following: 

• Fully automated enzymatic DNA synthesis system that goes from the 5 prime to 3 prime direction which is done in a template independent manner where the final oligos produced will include a native phosphate group at the 5 prime end.
• Oligonucleotide are synthesized, quantified, and normalized in a single synthesis run without user interaction.
• Need the ability to produce both a labeled and unlabeled Oligonucleotide, 96 or 384 simultaneously.
• Must be able to produce a minimum of 90 oligos of 120 nucleotides in length within a 24 hour period.
• Oligonucleotide produced must have a low sequence error rate (below 10% for 120 nucleotides Oligonucleotide).
• Ability to incorporate a specific sequence to each of the 96 oligos being synthesized.
• Must be a fully automated system that after set up does not need to be attended by lab personnel
• Produced Oligonucleotide must be ready for downstream application.
• System must have no specialized facility requirements and no hazardous chemicals or organic solvents used in the production of the Oligonucleotide.
• Design and control software must be able to be operated as a standalone, without need to transmit program sequences via internet (allows for sequences to remain within VPP control and not be visible to outside parties.
• Ease of use plug and play kits for quick initiation of Oligonucleotide synthesis run.

Anticipated Period of Performance

It is anticipated that an award will be made on or about September 23, 2024. Delivery of equipment will be required as soon as possible.

Capability Statement/Information Sought

If your organization has the potential capacity to provide a Syntax System Model 200 which meets the minimum salient characteristics listed above, please provide the following information:

1. Organization name, address, point of contact, email address, website address, telephone number, UEI number
2. Type of business (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, Other than Small, etc.) pursuant to the applicable NAICS code
3. Identification of any Best-in-Class contract vehicles including Government Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC) (e.g., GSA schedule, NITAAC) they may possess or are aware of that would support this possible requirement. If your organization does not provide the products/services under a GWAC, please identify availability as OPEN MARKET ONLY.
4. Tailored capability statement addressing the capability of the instrument to meet NIAID’s minimum salient characteristics. Capability document shall be no more than six pages.
5. Place of manufacture for the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Instrument and if applicable, any accessories/components.
6. Evidence that the organization is an authorized reseller or manufacturer of the instrument. Only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) products are acceptable.  

Submission Instructions

Interested businesses who consider themselves qualified to provide the above listed Syntax System Model 200 are invited to submit a response to this Sources Sought Notice by August 9, 2024, at 3:00 PM EST. All responses under this Sources Sought Notice shall be emailed to Hershea Vance at [email protected].

Disclamer 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 pre-solicitation 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).