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

66 -- LIGHT CYCLER INSTRUMENT SOL NCI-RFQ-90250-NR DUE 092419 POC Marsha Gorham, Purchasing Agent & Todd Cole, Contracting Officer (301)402-4509 The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Basic Sciences (BS), Laboratory of Cellular Carcinogenesis and Tumor Promotion (LCCTP) plans on procuring a Lightcycler from Roche Diagnostics/Boehringer Mannheim Corporation, 9115 Hague Road, P.O. Box 50414, Indianapolis, IN 46250. (The lightcycler shall include a laptop computer, warranty for parts and labor, technical assistance hotline for hardware, software and application chemistry, and service agreement). The Laboratory of Cellular Carcinogenesis and Tumor Promotion (LCCTP) requires a lightcycler for research involving genetic studies. The machine will be used for quantitative analysis of many genes as part of the molecular characterization. The instrument will enable the researcher to determine the initial copy number in unknown samples to quantify the total RNA or DNA; design and use economical probes for identification of specific DNA mutations; use reagents in quantities up to ten times less than heat block thermal cycler machines; and use competitive PCR and reannealing kinetics, as well as DNA melting curve analysis. 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 10 minutes on volumes of less than 10 ul (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 quantitation to the single copy level within 10 minutes; 6) the instrumentation shall utilize a broad spectrum of fluorescent emissions and come with a three color optics module or better; 7) the machine shall also provide nonhydrolytic probes for easier design and optimization by the researcher, 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 Diagnostics/Boehringer Mannheim Corporation is the only source known to the NCI Researcher 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 quotation. 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 furnished information must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NCI to determine if the party can fully meet the requirements. Capability statements must be received in the contracting office by 3:00 p.m., EST on September 24, 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 on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received shall be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No collect calls will be accepted. Posted 09/08/99 (W-SN377999). (0251)

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