Microfluidics Platform for Encapsulation and Formation of Emulsions Polymer particle generation System

This special notice is in accordance with FAR 5.2, Synopses of Proposed Contract Action. This is a notice of intent to make a sole source award and is not a solicitation or request for competitive quotes. This award will be made utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with: Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-2)(1) For purchases exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold.

The requirements at 13.501(a) apply to sole-source (including brand-name) acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services conducted pursuant to subpart 13.5.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) in Peoria, Illinois has a need for a microfluidic platform capable of encapsulation of biological materials (e.g., microorganisms, protein solutions, bioactive compounds) and production of single and double emulsions using different types of fluids (e.g., aqueous solutions, oil, organic solvents).

Contractor shall deliver a new microfluidics platform, having the technical requirements as identified in this solicitation, for encapsulation of biological materials and formation of emulsions. USDA-ARS MWA Procurement Office in Peoria, IL intends to make a firm fixed price sole source award under the authority 13.106-2)(1), only one responsible source, to:

Unchained Labs. LLC 4747 Willow Rd Pleasanton, CA 94588-2763 The objective of this sole source award is to procure a new microfluidics platform that has ALL the following technical requirements: Single-channel, high chemical resistant, reusable glass capillary based microfluidic device compatible for use with aqueous solutions, oil, organic solvents, and biological samples (e.g., bioactive compounds and proteins), upgradable to multiple channels.

Capable of producing lipid nanoparticles in size range of 60 nm – 300 nm with polydispersity (PDI) ? 0.2 and scalable up to 1 liters/min. Capable of producing nanogels in the size range ? 10 microns. Capable of producing giant liposome particles in the size range up to 150 microns and scalable flow rate up to 1 mL/min. Capable of producing single emulsions with droplet size in the range of 3 microns to 150 microns and scalable flow rate up to 1 mL/min.

Capable of producing double emulsions PLGA droplets with outer emulsion size in the range of 0.5 microns to 7 microns and scalable flow rate up to 1 mL/min. Capable of encapsulation of microbial cells and other biological materials with droplet outer emulsion in the size range of 3 microns – 40 microns, at production rate up to 20,000 cells/min. Autonomous pressure pumps for precise pressure and vacuum control. Pressurized reservoir holder for precise pressure and vacuum control.

Real-time software-controlled flow rate up to 10 mL/min. Real-time software-controlled pressure up to 300 psi (20 bar). Real-time software-controlled solvent injection flow rates up to 10 mL/min. Windows 7 – 10 based core software that supports LabView, C++, C#.net, Python, and MATLAB for easy integration with other instrumentation and writing automation protocols. High speed USB 3.0 color camera with ? 3.1-megapixel resolution for imaging droplet formation.

Automation and integrated droplet analysis via PC software. Modular system, capable of adding or removing components for adjusting conditions that allow creating different nanoparticles, microparticles, emulsions, and lipid nanoparticles. Temperature control of the microfluidic chip in the range 4°C - 100°C with stability of at least ±0.5°C . As such, purchase from Unchained Labs, LLC has been determined to be the only vendor available that meets all of the requirements outlined above.

The NAICS code for this requirement is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,000 Employees. The PSC code for this requirement is 66408820 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies). A solicitation has been posted and closed. The solicitation had 3 quotes however only one was technically acceptable by meeting all the technical specifications.

This notice of intent is NOT a request for competitive quotations; however, interested vendors that regard themselves as capable of providing a product that can fulfill the requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Interested parties may identify their interests and capability to respond to this requirement by NO later than Friday, May 24th (05/24/2024) at 5:00PM (CT) to Debora Wells at debora.wells@usda.gov . NO phone calls will be accepted. The e-mail subject line shall include:

12505B24Q0083 Microfluidics Platform Any submission in response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence as well as be in sufficient enough detail to show that they can provide a product that would meet the Government’s need and that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement. Again, this is NOT a request for competitive quotes.

This notice is for informational purposes only. Responses received shall be considered by the agency; however, determination by the Government whether or not to compete this proposed award upon response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. No reimbursement for any cost connected with providing capability information will be provided