SPECIAL NOTICE
99 -- NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: Automated Flow Cytometry Assay Preparation System
- Notice Date
- 8/16/2022 8:53:52 AM
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 334516
— Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- DEPT OF COMMERCE NIST GAITHERSBURG MD 20899 USA
- ZIP Code
- 20899
- Solicitation Number
- NB644020-22-02490
- Response Due
- 8/30/2022 6:00:00 AM
- Point of Contact
- Sadaf Afkhami, Phone: 3019753976, Donald Graham, Phone: 3019758567
- E-Mail Address
-
Sadaf.Afkhami@nist.gov, Donald.Graham@nist.gov
(Sadaf.Afkhami@nist.gov, Donald.Graham@nist.gov)
- Description
- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (1), with: Curiox Biosystems Inc., 10215 Timber Ridge Drive, Ashland, VA 23005 The sole source justification is based on the following: The Biomarker and Genomic Sciences Group within Biosystems and Biomaterials Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) needs to acquire an automated flow cytometry assay preparation system to accelerate high-throughput flow workflow without centrifuge steps for suspension cells and/or beads. The instrument will use fully automated liquid handling system to transfer antibodies and buffers which can minimize assay manual pipetting errors and inter-user variability. The automated Flow Cytometry Assay Preparation System is critical for reproducibility and productivity using flow cytometry assay when characterizing cells and quantitative measuring antibodies and cytokines in human or murine samples. This project is part of the NIST program in Engineering Biology and Quantitative Flow Cytometry. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NIST developed the quantitative bead-based flow cytometric serology assay and surrogate neutralization assay. This work made a significant impact on the development of the first and second WHO international reference panels for anti-SARS-CoV2 immunoglobulin, as well as the human SARS-CoV-2 serology standards through multiple inter-laboratory studies. An automated flow sample preparation system is critical for assay reproducibility and productivity, especially for large sample sizes. NIST entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Curiox Biosystems Inc in 2021. As part of the CRADA, NIST was provided a Laminar Wash� HT2000 plus AUTO 1000. The goal of the CRADA was to develop automated, reproducible, and high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 serology and neutralization assays. Since receiving the equipment, NIST has spent approximately 900 scientific labor hours conducting serology assay experiments and developing new cell characterization assays. During the CRADA period, NIST has worked closely with Curiox Biosystems to improve the performance of this instrument, updated software programs, and made the system more compatible with the assays needed for the projects. NIST has tested the automated protocols and optimized our assay conditions to adapt to this system.� The system has helped NIST significantly accelerate assay workflows of high-volume clinical samples through the development of fully automated sample preparation protocols. To maintain continuity and consistency of the serology assays and develop new cell characterization assays, NIST requires the same system. No other instruments will allow the continuation of ongoing studies and would set NIST research significantly back as detailed above.��� To prevent further delays in research efforts, as well as additional time and costs from incurring, it is recommended that a sole source award be made to Curiox Biosystems Inc. to purchase an automated flow cytometry assay preparation system. The resulting purchase order will be a Firm Fixed Price purchase order. The NAICS Code is 334516- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing with a size standard of 1000 employees. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties who regard themselves as capable of fulfilling these requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Responses received by 9:00 Am EST August 30, 2022, will be considered by the Government. Responses must be submitted via email to the Government point of contacts listed below. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition 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 a competitive procurement.
- Web Link
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/242acddae1b24ef9bdc40ecb11b4bf61/view)
- Record
- SN06428426-F 20220818/220816230119 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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