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

66 -- BIORAD THERMAL CYCLER W/OPTICAL UPGRADE SOL RFQ-NCI-00076 DUE 040300 POC Cynthia Brown, Purchasing Agent, 301-402-4509, Gail Zois, Contract Officer The National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute(NCI) plans on procuring a BioRad Icycler Thermal Cycler with optical upgrade from Bio-Rad Laboratories, Life Science Group, 2000 Alfred Nobel Drive, Hercules, CA 94547. The thermocycler with optical upgrade is required to perform TIMP gene expressions and their quantitation in tumor and normal cells. The NCI laboratory requires an instrument that has the ability to quantitate gene expression in small numbers of tumor cells as well as human microvascular cells. In addition, the instrument shall have the ability to perform multi gene analysis within the same reaction tube. The instrument shall enable the NCI researcher to show graphical display and real time analysis on line, during PCR with range of fluorophore excitation and emission from 400 -- 700 nm. The system presents a high degree of sensitivity differentiating between 1,000 and 2,000 genomic equivalents. The system also provides intuitive software which speeds setup and data presentation. In addition to the above performance characteristics, the instrument shall possess the following features: 1) Interchangeable sample blocks, including a dual-bloc configuration in which independent protocols may be simultaneously running. Maximum sample flexibility accommodates 0.2ml tubes, strips and plates, 0.5 ml tubes and 384-well PCR plates. 2)The instrument must have temperature monitoring and control that can be specified at in-sample probe, block or derived by instrument algorithm. NIST traceable temperature performance with a heating rate at 3.3 Degree Celsius/second and a cooling rate of 2 degrees Celsius/second. Temperature range of 4 degrees Celsius -- 105 degrees Celsius with an accuracy of +0.3 degree Celsius and overshoot maximum <0.5 degree Celsius. 3) The system shall have the option of up to 9 cycles per protocol with up to 9 segments per cycle and up to 99 repeats per cycle. The range of segment time is 00:01- 99:59 minutes. 4) The system shall feature graphical representation of protocols, menu-driven software and ready-made templates for editing and running. 5) graphical display and real time analysis on line, during PCR with range of fluorophore excitation and emission from 400 -700 nm. Bio-Rad Laboratories is the only source known to the NCI Research that offers an instrument that can meet the above minimum requirements. 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 2:00 p.m., EST on April 3, 2000. If you have any questions, please contact Cynthia Brown, 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 03/16/00 (W-SN435026). (0076)

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