National Cancer Institute, Research Contracts Branch, PSAS, 6120 Executive Blvd, EPS/Room 638, Bethesda, MD 20892-7227

66 -- GRIDDING ROBOT/ARRAYER SOL RFQ80223-NS DUE 092498 POC Patricia Haun, (301) 402-4509 The Division of Clinical Sciences (DCS), National Cancer Institute (NCI) plans to procure a Gridding Robot/Arrayer from Gene Machines, 2992 Spring Street Unit A, Redwood City, CA 94063. The Gridding Robot/Arrayer is a state-of-the-art technology which allows researchers to screen hundreds to thousands of DNA, c-DNA, or RNA sequences at one time for the presence of particular genes, and quantitative and analyze this information. The technology will allow NCI researchers to map the sequences differentially expressed by cancer cells and begin the process of determining the basis for the transformation of normal cells to malignant cells at the molecular level. This instrument will enable the Division of Clinical Sciences to identify and to map all genes associated with human cancers. This system utilizes a robotic arm and a tray feeder to process multiple samples at one time (4 to 16 samples) and place them on a glass slide. The samples from a 96 well plate are then spotted. The multiple spots are uniformand equidistant which allow for precise analysis. The slides are then reactive and can be tagged with a flourescent. The aforementioned process ensures precision and consistency in analysis all in one step. The above technique is specific to the design of the system built by Gene Machines. This arrayer will print up to 110 slides per run, estimate the time required and time between plate changes. The Gene Machine has a built-in sonicating bath synchronized to the plating cycle to decontaminate the plating tips. The different microarraying instruments on the market produce microarrays of widely varying formats and quality. Since reproducibility and consistency are crucial to the successful application of this technology in medical research, a device that will produce arrays in the same format and of the same quality as the ones currently being produced is mandatory. An instrument from Gene Machines will allow NCI to maintain the format with the existing arrays that are linked to the same reader. Based on the above, Gene Machines is the only source known to NCI that can meet the volume and uniformity as stated above. If any interested party believes it can perform the above requirement, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The statement of capabilities and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NCI to determine if the party can perform this requirement. Capability statements must be received in the contracting office by 3:00 p.m. EST, on September 24, 1998. If you have any questions, please contact Patricia Haun, Purchasing Agent on (301) 402-4509. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Posted 09/08/98 (W-SN246827). (0251)

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