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

66 -- OPEN GENE 3 DYE SYSTEM SOL RFQ90029-NS DUE 122998 POC Patricia Haun, Purchasing Agent, (301) 402-4509 The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Advanced Technology Center (ATC) proposes to procure an Open Gene 3 Dye System from Visible Genetics, Inc., 700 Bay Street, Suite 1000, Toronto, Ontario, Canada MSG 1Z6. The Advanced Technology Center's purpose is to develop genotype assays. The Open Gene 3 Dye System is intended for use in determining multiple variant alleles of genes associated with cancer susceptibility. The required system shall have the combination of 3 dye fluorescence, high sample throughput, flexible sample analysis, and small compact footprint and user-friendly equipment and software. In particular, the system shall have the capability to run 36 sample gels in less than one hour, and it shall utilize disposable gel cassettes which can be filled, polymerized and loaded in under ten minutes in order to accommodate the high volumes of high speed fragment analysis in the ATC. The system's 133 Mhz Pentium with 32 MB RAM shall permit true multitasking, permitting data analysis to occur at the same time samples are being run, and it shall have the capability to run up to ten MicroGene Blasters from a single workstation or over a distributed network. In addition, the computer shall be user friendly and enable both graphics and numerical data to be ported to spreadsheet, statistical and graphics programs common to Macintosh computers. The computer, which shall be configured to support the operation of the MicroGene Blaster Automated DNA Sequencer and the GeneObjects analysis software, shall be linked to provide on-line support for troubleshooting. In addition, the sequencing system shall provide: 1) a platform to electrophorese DNA sequencing reactions and DNA PCR fragments; 2) detectors, appropriate hardware and filters to support the detection of two fluorescent parameters simultaneously; 3) software to acquire data involving multiple color fluorescence and to analyze this data for DNA sequences and DNA fragment size analysis; 4) hardware and software compatibility with Macintosh computer-based data transfer over an ethernet network; 5) a platform with the capacity to pour and polymerize acrylamide gels for electrophoresis in disposable containers within 5 minutes; 6) temperature, voltage and current control for the gel electrophoresis; 7) high speed electrophoresis capable of DNA sequencing 16 samples/hour (or better) or DNA fragment analysis of 32 samples/30 minutes (or better). Visible Genetics, Inc., is the only source known to NCI that can meet these requirements, especially with regard to multitasking (for simultaneous analysis while samples are being run) throughput capability, preparation and load time. If any interested party believes it can provide the above system, along with installation, 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 meet this requirement. Capability statements must be received in the contracting office by 1:00 p.m. EST, on December 29, 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. No collect calls will be accepted. Posted 12/10/98 (W-SN279231). (0344)

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