Notice of Intent to issue a Sole Source Award to generate and optimize high-affinity nucleic acid aptamers capable of semi-quantitative detection of TFV-DP and/or TFV for use in both plate-based assays and POC platforms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of HIV Prevention (DHP)/Laboratory Branch intends to award a sole source Firm-fixed-price purchase order to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Chemistry to generate and optimize high-affinity nucleic acid aptamers capable of semi-quantitative detection of TFV-DP and/or TFV for use in both plate-based assays and POC platforms.

This contract action is for commercial services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 12.102-1. NAICS 541715 - Medical Research and Development Laboratories or Services (except Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research and Development).

UNC was identified as uniquely qualified due to its role as a co-inventor of the FTC aptamer previously developed for ARV detection research, and established methodologies compatible with CDC’s current assay development efforts. UNC is the only source reasonably available capable of performing the required work within the required timeframe and technical specifications.

Changing to another vendor’s aptamer would severely impact the CDC’s progress in this area, requiring a start over of the entire process of optimization and would not be compatible with the already developed, existing aptamer detecting emtricitabine. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all Quotations/ responses received within 15 days of the issuance of this notice shall be considered by the government.

A determination by the government not to complete 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 contract specialist at email zvm0@cdc.gov by 06/02/2026.