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

66 -- LIGHT CYCLER SOL RFQ90057(NR) DUE 042699 POC Marsha Gorham, Purchasing Agent (301)402-4509 &Todd Cole, Contracting Officer The National Cancer Institute (NCI), on behalf of the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), proposes to procure a Light Cycler from Roche Diagnostic Corporation, 9115 Hague Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized in FAR part 13. The Laboratory of Adaptive Systems, NINDS, uses a Light Cycler for various projects involving molecular biological techniques. The Roche Corporation light cycler is currently the only company that offers a choice for quantititation. The machine shall employ gene-specific primers (useful in genotyping and mutation analysis) that are fluorescently modified, and take advantage of the FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) which occurs when the two probes exist in close proximity on a DNA template. The basic system shall have the following characteristics: 1) The machine shall integrate a 32 sample micro-volume fluorimeter with an air driven ultra-rapid thermal cycler to deliver quantitative real time analysis of DNA or RNA amplification; 2) The system shall allow continuous monitoring of the reaction and perform 30-40 cycles of amplification in less than 20 minutes. (This eliminates the need for separate amplification and product analysis); 3) the system's sample cuvettes shall have a thin glass capillary design (for large surface area to volume ratio and heat conductivity) and provide elimination of a sample block by airflows and allow for faster temperature changes; 4) the cuvettes shall also allow for fluorescence acquisition via a light-piping tip; 5) the machine shall also enable gene quantification to the single copy level in less than 20 minutes; 6) the instrumentation shall utilize a broad spectrum of fluorescent emissions and come with a three color optics modules or better, 7) the machine shall also provide nonhydrolytic probes for easier design and optimization by the investigator, and 8) the system shall use monitoring fluorescence upon binding utilizing an approach that allows product differentiation by analysis of product melting curves. Based on the above, Roche Diagnostic Corporation is the only known source to NINDS that can provide a light cycler that achieves real-time thermal cycle monitoring followed by DNA melting kinetics. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, if any interested party believes it can meet the above requirements, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The capability statement and any other information must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NINDS to determine if the party can fully meet this requirement. Capability statements must be received in the contracting office by 1:00 p.m. EST, on April 26, 1999. If you have any questions, please contact Marsha Gorham, 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 beconsidered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Posted 04/08/99 (W-SN317578). (0098)

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