Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Two (2) Quant PCR Machines (QS5Dx 96-well block system and QS7ProDx .2ML qPCR System) through Life Technologies Corporation (Thermo Fisher)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intends to award a sole source firm fixed price purchase order to Life Technologies Corporation for two (2) Quant PCR Machines (QS5Dx 96-well block system and QS7ProDx .2ML qPCR System). The Viral Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch (VVPDB) current CLIA-approved protocol is run on ABI 7500 PCR platforms from Thermo Fisher. The vendor is sunsetting this platform and we would not have any service support going forward.

The program needs to bridge the existing diagnostic CLIA-assays over to the newer platform from Thermo Fisher called Quant studio QS5Dx. It is a 96-well format, and QS7ProDx is a 384 well format, enabling multiplexing for multiple pathogens.

Transition to these Quant Studio PCR systems would cause minimal disruption in the clinical lab testing workflow as it provides specific test results data that correlates and translate effectively with most states health department and other international partner’s PCR test data systems.

Using other PCR systems would need re-evaluation of the standard operating protocols of the existing clinical tests complying with CDC’s Quality Management (QMS) requirement, and this can cause an undue barrier to ensuring effective data exchange with US jurisdictions and other global systems that currently use these platforms. 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 contract specialist at email@cdc.gov by 9:00AM CDT 25 July 2024.