Research Lab Services Affiliate RNA Sequencing

Pre-Solicitation Notice for notice of intent to award a sole source contract. This is not a solicitation. The Department of Veterans Affairs intends to negotiate a sole source firm fixed price purchase order for a one-year period with Duke University Sequencing Core Facility Shared Resource, 701 W. Main St. (Chesterfield Building), Ste. 320, Durham, NC 27701, the VA s primary academic affiliate, to support the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) research office.

This requirement is for Duke University to provide RNA extraction, sequencing, and data processing research services to the VA Durham Health Care System, research department for sequencing of samples. The Affiliate Sequencing Core has performed all of the prior and future experiments to which the data will be compared with the current studies.

This continuity is paramount for minimizing further issues relating to batch effect and thus for interpreting the data with maximal impact - failure to maintain such continuity could be catastrophic. There is no other vendor that can supply the required sequencing data for these purposes. Due to the precise expertise required by the VA, proximity, and existing affiliate relationship, Duke University is the only vendor practical, without experiencing substantial duplication in costs or delays to VA research.

Since the intent is to procure this on a sole source basis, no solicitation will be posted on SAM.gov Contract Opportunities. The applicable NAICS code is 541720 with a $28 Million size standard. The PSC is Q301. The authority for this action is FAR 6.302.5-1, Authorized or Required by Statute per 41 USC §3304(a)(5). Interested persons may contact the Contracting Officer via email at annmarie.stewart@va.gov regarding this procurement. The determination to conduct a competitive procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer.