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

99 -- IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STAINING REAGENTS, SUPPLIES AND LEASE TWO STAINING SYSTEMS SOL RFQ90086(NR) DUE 042699 POC Marsha Gorham, Purchasing Agent (301)402-4509 & Todd Cole, Contracting Officer The Hematopathology Section, Laboratory of Pathology, Division of Clinical Sciences, National Cancer Institute(NCI) plans to procure immunohistochemical staining reagents and supplies and lease two staining systems with slide and barcode labeling capability from Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., 3865 North Business Center Drive, Tucson, AZ 85705. This notice is issued in accordance with the commercial contracting and simplified acquisition procedures of FAR Parts 12 and 13. PART I: The Hematopathology Section provides immunohistochemical staining for the diagnostic services and research laboratories within the Laboratory of Pathology. These Stains have become an essential part of cancer diagnosis and have an equally important role in the diagnosis of many infectious diseases. The Hematopathology Section currently has two Government-owned Ventana Model320 Automated Immunostaining systems. Therefore, there is a need for supplies to operate these existing systems. Specifically, the following items are required: DAB Detection Kits, Liq coverslips, APK Washes, Dispensers, Barcodes, Hematoxylin, Diluents, and Protease 1. The reagents Diamino Benzidine and Amino Ethylcarbozol shall be provided in 250 test manufacturer approved dispensers. Reagents shall also be provided in bar coded dispensers allowing the existing Ventana 320s to maintain accurate count of reagents dispensed and prevent the instruments from starting a run without the sufficient reagent amounts for run completion. The above reagents and materials are prepared by and proprietary to Ventana and are the only ones known to the NCI researcher that can be used in conjunction with the existing Ventana Automated Immunostaining Systems. Enough reagents and supplies to produce 27,600 slides per year are required, and the anticipated contract will be for one basic 12-month period with two subsequent 12-month option periods. PART II: Given the increased volume of slides and the need to produce slides outside of the central work location, the Hematopathology Section intends on leasing a Ventana SLS barcode labeler and two NexES IHC Staining Systems with barcode/slide labeling compatibility from Ventana. Since the systems will be frequently moved and used at different locations, the section requires very compact and modular machines, along with automatic labeling to keep track of the slides. In addition, due to limited space in the primary location, the systems shall not take up more than 3.0 linear feet of bench space each. The systems shall be capable of utilizing barcoded dispensers and compatible with automated slide labeling technology. The barcode labeler shall allow identification of immunostained slides with necessary clinical information, without having to place a second identifying label on the stained slide. The two systems are from the only product line known to the NCI researcher that meet the limited space requirements and offer the necessary portability, along with the ability to use barcode labeling technology. The anticipated contract will be for one basic 12-month period with two subsequent 12-month option periods. In addition, there shall be an option to buy the equipment after the each anticipated contract period. Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. is the only source known to NCI that can meet all of the above requirements. This is not a request for competitive quotations. However, if any interested party believes it can perform either Part I and/or Part II of the above requirement, it may submit a statement of capabilities for the respective portion. On the capability statement, please specify the Part(s) (Part I and/or Part II) that your organization may be able to provide. 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 the part of this requirement stated. Capability statements must be received in the contracting office by 3:00 p.m. EST, on April 26, 1998. If you have any questions, please contact Marsha Gorham, Purchasing Agent on (301) 402-4509. A determination by the Government not to compete either part of 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 04/09/99 (W-SN317982). (0099)

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