This is a brand-name or equal combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is HHS-NIH-NIDA(AG)-CSS-20-75N95020Q00015 and the solicitation is issued as a request for proposals (RFP). This acquisition is for a commercial item or service and is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13—Simplified Acquisition Procedures; FAR Subpart 13.5—Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items; and FAR Part 12—Acquisition of Commercial Items, and is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2020-04, dated January 15, 2020. The associated NAICS code for this requirement is 334516 with a small business size standard of 1000 employees. This requirement is being solicited as a full and open competitive brand-name or equal acquisition. Background: The National Institute on Aging (NIA), one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads the federal government in conducting and supporting research on aging and the health and well-being of older people. The Institute seeks to understand the nature of aging and the aging process, and diseases and conditions associated with growing older, in order to extend the healthy, active years of life. Its mission is to support and conduct genetic, biological, clinical, behavioral, social, and economic research on aging, foster the development of research and clinician scientists in aging, provide research resources, and disseminate information about aging and advances in research to the public, health care professionals, and the scientific community among a variety of audiences. Computational Biology Core is the only core at NIA Baltimore campus catering to the unique sequencing data analysis needs of the NIA IRP investigators and thereby helping to fulfill NIA’s goal to promote aging-related research. Purpose and Objectives: The Computational Biology Core intends to purchase a new Illumina Novaseq 6000 next-generation DNA sequencer. We need to replace our obsolete Illumina Hiseq 2500 sequencer as most of our ongoing projects require a substantial increase in the throughput of sequencing samples. NIA has several longitudinal projects that have been going on for years. We need a machine not only with higher throughput but also can generate data compatible with all the previously accumulated data. Project Requirements: iSeq 100 System : The iSeq 100 System is a RUO only benchtop next generation sequencer. The system is 1 cubic foot and includes a mounted 10 inch screen. This system also comes equipped with on-board bioinformatics capabilities. NovaSeq Xp Flow Cell Doc: The NovaSeq Xp Flow Cell Doc is a flow cell holder for all NovaSeq flow cells. The Doc is required when using the optional NovaSeq XP workflow that allows laboratories to load sequencing libraries into individual flow cell lanes used with the NovaSeq instrument. NovaSeq™ 6000 Sequencing System : The NovaSeq 6000 Sequencing System is an integrated ultrahigh throughput system performing onboard cluster generation and sequencing. Anticipated period of performance: Anticipated delivery will be 3 months after receipt of order. Other important considerations: A twelve (12) month warranty following installation must be included. Place of Contract Performance: NIH NIA-RNA Regulation Section 251 Bayview Blvd Rm 10c009d Baltimore, Maryland, 21224-2816 The following FAR provisions shall apply to this solicitation: 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors--Commercial Items, 52.212-2, Evaluation--Commercial Items. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. Evaluation factors that will be used to evaluate the offer, price and other factors considered, include ability to meet the technical requirements stated in this CSS and on basis of best value to the government. Technical and past performance, when combined, are significantly more important than cost or price. Offerors must include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications Commercial Items, with their offer. The Clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and the Clause at 52.212- 5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Items applies to this acquisition. A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award. There are no additional contract requirement(s) or terms and conditions applicable to this acquisition. The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) are not applicable to this requirement. Responses to this solicitation must include sufficient information to establish the interested parties’ bona-fide capabilities of providing the product or service. In addition, the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size must be included in the response. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov .” All responses must be received by February 28, 2020 at 4:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) and must reference solicitation number HHS-NIH-NIDA(AG)-CSS-20-75N95020Q00015. Responses may be submitted electronically to Eric McKay,
[email protected]. Fax responses will not be accepted.