Description
The USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), intends to negotiate solely with PerkinElmer Life Sciences in Boston, MA to furnish, deliver (F.O.B. Destination), and install a new ScanArray Express HT system and informatics workstation at the USDA, ARS, Eastern Regional Research Center, in Wyndmoor (Philadelphia), PA. This system will be used to scan arrays, build a database, and advance informatics data mining to exploit functional genomics, detect and type pathogens and analyze the levels of gene expression. The high-throughput microarray scanner and informatics workstation includes the following SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS: 1) confocal laser scanner module; 2) three lasers for light emission; one at 543nm (green), 633nm (red), and 594nm (yellow); 3) autoloader capable of handling 20 slides in automated "walk away" analysis; 4) Computer (Pentium III or higher), running Window 2000 Professional for data capture and informatics analysis; 5) Software for integrated storage, organization and evaluation of gene expression microarray data in a relational database; 6) One year parts and labor warranty with on-site response; 7) Delivery within thirty days after receipt of the order; and 8) Equipment installation; 9) Two or more on-site training sessions at ERRC; 10) One (1) copy of the installation, user manual for the equipment and software. In addition, the following are required on the scanner: Scanning field - 22 mm x 73 mm, Pixel resolution - selectable at 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 microns. Emission filter wavelengths- 508nm 522nm, 530nm, 549nm, 570nm, 578nm, 592nm, 614nm, 660nm, 670nm, and 694nm. Dynamic Range - 16-bit range over 4 orders of magnitude, Repeatability and uniformity - < 5 % CV; Sensitivity - < 0.1 fluorescent molecules/m2. Image file formats - TIFF, BMP, JPEG, or Raw. The Microarray scanner must be capable of the following: 1) High throughput autoloading slide handler able to accommodate 20 or more slides. 2) Ability to excite fluorescent-labeled probes hybridized to glass-slide arrays. 3) Ability to filter the emission light from the array. 4) Image and collect data and provide initial data examination. 5) Scanner must initially have the capability of more 5 light wavelengths (Red, Green and Yellow lasers must be three of the available light sources) for excitation of fluorescent-labeled probes. 6) Adding two more light sources and/or different color light sources for future use. Informatics Specifications include: 1) Integrated package for the storage, organization and evaluation of gene expression microarray data; 2) Relational database to organize and store microarray data; 3) Direct integration with microarray printers, scanners and image analysis software output files; 4) Ability to accept standard .GAL and .GPR files. 5) Transformation map depiction of data manipulations. 6) Clustering and graphing capabilities. 7) Election of normalization options including LOWESS, total intensity, median ration, or user generated gene list. 8) Expression profile searching and matching. Based on the requirements for the above system, the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. A determination by the Government to compete this proposed requirement on a full and open competitive basis, upon receipt of responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Contractors must submit a written substantive statement outlining the Company's and systems' capabilities along with available maintenance agreements and associated costs to the Contracting Officer within 5 days of publication of this notice. Any amendment and documents related to this procurement will be available electronically at the Internet site: http://www.eps.gov. Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of these documents (if any). It is the offerors responsibility to monitor the site for release of the solicitation and any related documents. This is not a request for proposal. No solicitation is available.