This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items using Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This acquisition will be made in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6 “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items,” as applicable, and as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation (a written solicitation will not be issued) and quotation (quote) are being requested. The Solicitation number is RFQ-NIAID-24-2227841 and the solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).
This acquisition will be processed under FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), FAR Subpart 13.5 – Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. The solicitation documents and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2023-04 Effective May 22, 2024.
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing with a size standard of 1,000 employees. The Product or Service Code (PSC) is 6640 – Laboratory Equipment and Supplies. The requirement is being competed as full and open competition, with a brand name or equal purchase description, and without a small business set-aside.
The government anticipates making one firm-fixed-price (FFP) award under this solicitation. By submitting a quote, the vendor acknowledges they are required to be registered and visible in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at the time of the quote submission. The vendor must maintain this registration status until the time of award, throughout the performance of the purchase order, and until final payment is made for any order resulting from this solicitation (www.sam.gov) purchase order to the responsible offeror as a result of this RFQ that will include the terms and conditions set forth herein. By submitting a quote(s), the offeror is accepting that all government terms and condition shall prevail over the award.
STATEMENT OF NEED
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), Genomic Analysis Core (GAC), at the Vaccine Research Center (VRC), is seeking to acquire two (2) Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Liquid Handling Systems at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Bethesda campus, to improve the efficiency of critical infectious disease experiments. The liquid handling systems are required for single cell-based antibody discovery, crucial for pandemic preparedness efforts related to emerging arboviruses. The liquid handling systems are also required for RNA and DNA processing, NGS applications, and antibody expression/production. These instruments allow multiple members of the lab to process samples in a high-throughput manner to contribute to the VRC's efforts in vaccine and therapeutics development.
The Genomic Analysis Core (GAC)/Vaccine Research Center (VRC) focuses on the understanding of immunogenicity and antibody repertoires elicited by candidate immunogens for many endemic and emerging infectious diseases. This research endeavors aid in the GAC’s/VRC’s ability to design, produce, and test candidate immunogens aimed at eliciting neutralizing antibodies against several human pathogens, and more specifically, for pandemic preparedness. At the core of this effort lies the requirement to elicit antibodies that use IgH and IgL chain gene pairs. For evaluation of vaccine candidates, the evolution of such antibodies, and thus the effectiveness of the vaccine, needs to be monitored using a variety of molecular techniques that culminate in a single cell next-generation sequencing (NGS) of pathogen-specific B cell Ig genes. In addition, passive antibody applications necessarily depend on the identification and sequencing of neutralizing pathogen-specific antibodies in infected and/or convalescent individuals. The ability to understanding the antibody repertoire at a single cell level also allows for the study humoral immune response of vaccine candidates within specific lymphoid organs as a means of detecting transport and activation by the immunogen in mouse models. To achieve these goals, the GAC/VRC has developed a broad portfolio of next-generation sequencing methodologies. These assays are performed on samples from multiple species including humans, non-human primate (NHP), and various rodents.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has a requirement for a brand name or equal for two (2) Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Liquid Handling Systems. The brand name and part numbers for the products/services are provided in full detail in the attached Bill of Materials (BOM) – Attachment 2. To be considered for award, vendors quoting “equal” product/services, including “equal” products/services of the brand-name manufacturer, must meet the following minimum requirements/specifications:
Two (2) Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Liquid Handling Systems:
1. Liquid handling systems
- Dispensing system: the system must use liquid dispensers with TRUE positive displacement of liquids for aspiration and non-contact dispensing with at least 6 dispensing syringes.
- Pipetting system: the system must include at least a 384-tip air-displacement pipetting head, working in a minimum range from 0.5uL to 125uL. Plastic consumable tips must be automatically exchanged by the system and available in 384, 96, 8, and 16 channel arrays, for flexibility to work with a wide variety of 96 and 384 well plates. The system must be able to automatically switch between these formats for flexibility.
- Expansion kit that includes a ring magnet, 96 well built in thermocycler and alternate head.
2. Liquid Class management
- Dispenser Liquid classes: the dispense system must be capable of handling a wide range liquid type from 80% ethanol through to 50% (w/v) glycerol, with NO requirement for liquid classification. Common biological assay components such as aqueous buffers, DMSO, beads, cells, or glycerol protein stocks must all be dispensed using the same standard settings as well as particulates such as SPRI beads.
- Pipetting liquid classes: The pipetting system must use liquid classes to compensate for different liquid types and is well suited to a range of liquid types. It uses an air-displacement pipetting system.
3. NIAID has limited space and requires a small footprint of at least 26 inches wide by 22 inches deep.
4. User Interface must be completely configurable to tailor the user experience from those requiring restricted access to run specific protocols only, to full open access to all features for Super users. Must be able to install the software on any windows device to author protocols virtually anywhere and send them to the system via a network or over the cloud.
5. The system must include fixed base configurations to share protocols between systems. Configuration must also include a microplate shaker and incubation capabilities.
6. Must be application ready with off the shelf protocols ready to use.
7. Must include a twelve (12) month warranty that will begin upon installation.
QUOTING REQUIREMENT
All elements below must be included in the quote for your quote to be considered responsive:
- If not brand name, documentation to prove how the “of equal” model/part meets the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristic specified in this solicitation.
- Country of Origin
- Place of Manufacture
- Estimated date of delivery
- Estimated shipping fees
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
Delivery is requested as soon as possible. Estimated lead time for delivery of equipment is 60-90 days upon Vendor’s receipt of the purchase order.
SHIPPING/DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
Delivery location is 40 Convent Drive, Building 40, Rm 3608B, Bethesda, MD 20814. FOB: Destination. All equipment delivered shall contain a Packing Slip (with serial numbers when applicable).
INSTRUCTIONS
All interested offerors are invited to submit a quote for the requirement as outlined above and in Attachment 1 – Statement of Needs (SON).
- Price(s) (unit price, extended price, total price);
- Shipping fees;
- Manufacturing country of origin of the products, including components;
- Documentation demonstrating vendor is either the manufacturer or authorized distributor/reseller of the product(s);
- Estimated date of delivery;
- Point of contact: name, phone number & email;
- UEI#; Cage Code from active SAM.gov registration;
- Business size under NAICS 334516;
- Payment terms.
Each response must clearly indicate the capability of the vendor to meet all specifications and requirements. The Government may evaluate only those quotes that fully meet the requirements as outlined above and respond to the instructions and requirements provided in this solicitation. Failure to furnish a full and complete quote as instructed may result in the Offeror’s response being considered non-responsive and will therefore be eliminated from further consideration and award.
If providing an equal product(s)/services(s), please supply descriptive data for evaluation purposes to determine the validity of how it is an EQUAL. The following FAR provision applies to this a solicitation FAR 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999):
(a) If an item in this solicitation is identified as "brand name or equal," the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government’s needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that "equal" products must meet are specified in the solicitation.
(b) To be considered for award, offers of "equal" products, including "equal" products of the brand name manufacturer, must-
(1) Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristic specified in this solicitation;
(2) Clearly identify the item by-
(i) Brand name, if any; and
(ii) Make or model number;
(3) Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer; and
(4) Clearly describe any modifications the offeror plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modifications.
(c) The Contracting Officer will evaluate "equal" products on the basis of information furnished by the offeror or identified in the offer and reasonably available to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer.
(d) Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an "equal" product, the offeror shall provide the brand name product referenced in the solicitation.
(End of provision)
Quotes are due by 12:00 pm EST, September 26, 2024. Quotes must be emailed to Daveta H. Brown, Contract Specialist, at daveta.brown@nih.gov. Late quotes will not be considered. All responsible sources may submit an offer that will be considered by this Agency. Any questions or concerns regarding this combined synopsis/solicitation should be emailed to daveta.brown@nih.gov.
EVALUATION
NIAID will evaluate quotes to determine the best value to the government. NIAID will make that determination based on technical acceptability, price, and past performance. NIAID will evaluate past performance and price only for those quotes which are rated as technically acceptable. In the event quotes are evaluated as technically equal, price will become a major consideration in selecting the successful Offeror.
SPECIAL NOTICE TO OFFERORS
Offerors are advised that the Government may share your information with non-government personnel who are assisting with the evaluation of quotes. The exclusive responsibility for source selection will reside with the Government. By submitting your quote, you will be consenting to disclosure of your quote to non-government personnel for purposes of evaluation.
ELECTRONIC INVOICING
The successful offeror may submit an invoice once a shipment is delivered. NIAID will only accept invoices for units that have been delivered to NIAID.
NIH is using a phased transition approach from the NIH Office of Financial Management (OFM) Electronic Invoice Submission instructions to the Department of Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). For contractors that have transitioned to IPP, the Contractor must submit invoices to the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at https://www.ipp.gov. For contractors that have not transitioned to IPP, the Contractor shall submit invoices to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/Office of Financial Management (OFM) via email at invoicing@nih.gov with a copy to the approving official until the Contractor has been notified of its transition to IPP.
PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES
FAR 52.252-21 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)
This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquistion.gov/
The following FAR provisions apply to this acquisition:
FAR 52.203-18 – Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements – Representations (Jan 2017)
FAR 52.204-7 – System for Award Management (Oct 2018)
FAR 52.204-16 – Commercial for Government Entity Code Reporting (Aug 2020)
FAR 52.204-24 – Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021)
FAR 52.204-26 – Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation (Oct 2020)
FAR 52.209-7 – Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018)
FAR 52.211-6 – Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999)
FAR 52.212-1 – Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)
FAR 52.212-3 – Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2022)
FAR 52.252-2 – Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)
This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquistion.gov/
FAR 52.204-13 – System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018)
FAR 52.204-18 – Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Aug 2020)
FAR 52.204-21 – Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (Nov 2021)
FAR 52.212-4 – Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Dec 2022)
FAR 52.232-40 – Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023)
The following additional clauses are applicable to this requirement and provided in full text as an Attachment:
FAR 52.212-5 – Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024)
By reference the Department of Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) provisions and clauses that are applicable to this requirement. Copies are available from http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar/:
Clauses
HHSAR 352.203-70 – Anti-lobbying (Dec 2015)
HHSAR 352.208-70 – Printing and Duplication (Dec 2015)
HHSAR 352.222-70 – Contractor Cooperation in Equal Employment Opportunity Investigations (Dec 2015)
By full text the Department of Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR):
HHSAR 352.232-71 - Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (February 2, 2022)
HHSAR 352.239-78 – Information and Communication Technology Accessibility Notice (Feb 2024) (DEVIATION)
HHSAR 352.239-79 – Information and Communication Technology Accessibility (Feb 2024) (DEVIATION)
The following additional clauses are applicable to this requirement and provided in full text as Attachments.
FAR 52.212-5 - Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Status or Executive Orders – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024)
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Statement of Needs (SON)
Attachment 2 – Bill of Materials (BOM)
Attachment 3 – Full Text Clauses
