USDA-ARS-SAA, Richard B. Russell Center, 950 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605-2720

66 -- ICYCLER WITH OPTICAL MODULE SOL RFQ-006-4384-00 DUE 040700 POC Elaine Wood 706-546-3534 E-MAIL: Click here to contact contracting officer, woode@ars.usda.gov. USDA, ARS, SAA intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source, Biorad, to furnish one Icycler with optical module for the genome center at USDA, ARS, Ft Pierce, FL. The genome center will generate large quantities of sequence information for genes expressed in citrus. The data will provide insights into the number, type, and relative level of activity of genes in different tissues and organs. The principal avenues through which the breeding program can tap into the sequence data are: detection of changes in gene expression and through the development of multiallelic markers for use in the breeding program. Changes in gene expression will allow the identification of genes involved in important developmental processes such as ripening. The desired instrument will allow the accurate quantification of mRNA levels in specific tissues and developmental stages. Once these genes are identified, molecular markers specific to the genes will allow the breeders to select for the desired alleles controlling the traits of interest. Specifications unique to this equipment are: 1. The thermal cycler must be capable of performing PCR on at least 96 samples per run. 2. The instrument must allow the simultaneous real time PCR tracking (detection) for at least 4 genes using different fluorophores. 3. The instrument must allow the multiplexing of at least 4 fluorophores to allow the tracking of large numbers of markers. 4. The PCR vessel used by the instrument should be amenable to automation of PCR reaction set up. . No telephone inquiries will be accepted. Interested parties should submit written responses including prices and technical data sufficient to determine capability to meet the entire requirement and must be received in this office within 15 calendar days after publication of this notice. It should be noted that no contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice, but will be used to determine if a comparable source more advantageous to the Government is available. If no affirmative written responses are received, negotiations will be held with Biorad without further notice. This acquisition is being conducted under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. The anticipated award date is April 7,2000. Posted 03/20/00 (W-SN436253). (0080)

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