Opportunity: PrepX RNA-Seq Library/PrepX PolyAmRNA Isol Kits

Project Title: PrepX RNA-Seq Illumina Library Kit, Filter Tips, and PrepX PolyAmRNA Isolation Kit The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. to procure WaferGen Biosystems automation reagents. This procurement is recommended to be processed without full and open competition. The EPA National Health Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL) Genomic Core lab has an integrated Apollo 324 automation system which provides comprehensive genomic services to EPA scientists. These automation reagents are designed to be used with the existing WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. automation Instrument that is located in the NHEERL Genomic Core (GRC). These automation reagents are the only ones that can be used in the WaferGen Biosystems instrument because of the unique flow cell design and sequencing chemistry used by the system. These sequencing reagents are sold only through Wafergen Biosystems, Inc. Special filter tips are used to avoid cross contamination and the RNA is isolated by using the PrepX PolyA mRNA isolation kits. Future experiments at NHEERL will generate data to be compared with existing IntergenX (bought by Wafergen) automation data sets at the US EPA. Consistency in platform comparison is critical to the genomic scientific mission at NHEERL. The WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. automation reagents used by this system are only supplied by WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. The circumstance permitting is FAR 6.302-1 "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements". All interested parties who believe they can provide the required product should fully explain their capabilities and qualifications in writing within 10 days from the date of this announcement and provide itemized pricing that is sufficient to make a determination that competition is feasible. The intent of this notice is to determine if any other source(s) exist, and therefore, no solicitation is available. Consequently, anyone failing to provide the aforementioned and instead chooses to merely submit a routine letter requesting a copy of the statement of work or more information about the project will be ignored. The information received to this notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement. Please submit response to Marsha Johnson at Johnson.marsha@epa.gov or to the U.S. EPA, Attn: Marsha Johnson (AA-005), RTP Procurement Operations Division, 109 Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. No telephone or faxed requests will be honored.