Notice of Intent to Sole Source to VWR International Inc for SparQ DNA Library Prep Kits

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intends to award a sole source firm fixed price purchase order to VWR International Inc for SparQ DNA Library Prep Kits. Standard SparQ DNA library preparation kits can be customized from vendor to meet our current next generation sequencing laboratory workflow. The SparQ DNA library preparation kits contain components that meet our sequencing protocols and specifications and have been validated in our laboratory for our testing workflow.

SparQ DNA library kit has been tailored to produce high quality and quantity library fragments, without need for PCR amplification for downstream analysis. This specific kit has gone through rigorous NGS assay validation process and approved for use in our laboratory. According to Quality Management System (QMS) we can’t use (swap) a different kit without revalidating the entire testing workflow for whole genome sequencing.

The validation process is very costly and can take several months (up to 6 months and longer). If we had to use a different kit, we had to stop the laboratory workflow for the whole genome sequencing that supports national surveillance and outbreak investigations. This specific brand name SparQ DNA Library Prep Kit manufactured by Quantabio is required for our sequencing requirements and the only kits that meet our needs.

This contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (SAP) and 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all quotations/responses received within fifteen (15) days of the issuance of this notice will be considered by the government.

A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any quotation/response should be emailed to the Contracting Officer at dthreatt2@cdc.gov by 11:00CDT August 13, 2024.