This is a Small Business Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of qualified small business sources; (2) whether they are small businesses; HUBZone small businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses; and (3) their size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. An organization that is not considered a small business under the applicable NAICS code should not submit a response to this notice.

This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition.  It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract.  Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes.  No award will be made as a result of this notice.  The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice.  This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only.

Background and Objectives:

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) leads the federal government in conducting and supporting research on aging and the health and well-being of older people. The Institute seeks to understand the nature of aging and the aging process, and diseases and conditions associated with growing older, to extend the healthy, active years of life.

The Flow Cytometry Shared Resource Laboratory is a core facility at the NIA. This core facility provides analytical flow cytometry and cell sorting services as well as access to instrumentation which is essential to the biomedical research mission of the NIA.

This purchase is being requested for infrastructure replacement and improvements for instruments. This justification is based on three underlying principles: 1) expands the power of cell analysis, 2) meet user needs for additional capacity, and 3) address scientific obsolescence as the flow cytometry field and the pivotal role that it plays in current and future life science research at the NIA moves forward. This instrument is needed to keep the flow cytometry core state-of-the art and are designed to maintain this advantage for at least a decade.

Salient Characteristics:  

The ID7000™ spectral cell analyzer supports high-parameter flow cytometry by delivering comprehensive information about heterogeneous cell populations, with high sensitivity to detect dim and rare populations.

The ID700 expanding the capabilities of cell analysis, the ID7000 can be configured with up to 7 lasers and 186 detectors, the most of any flow cytometer available today. The system enables researchers to perform experiments using 44 colors or more, limited only by the fluorochromes available. Laser choices range from deep ultraviolet (320 nm) to infrared (808 nm). The system’s detection capability enables expansion of multicolor panels and can keep pace with future fluorochrome development.

The ID7000 spectral cell analyzer streamlines high-parameter experiments and multicolor workflows. Novel features, including the Spectral Reference Library, save time. The Autofluorescence Finder allows researchers to identify and subtract contributions to the signal from autofluorescent populations, thus ensuring higher fidelity of data and more accurate visualization.

Intuitive, guided workflows on the ID7000 spectral cell analyzer make multicolor flow cytometry accessible. Software wizards and tools simplify instrument controls from startup to shut down, automate quality control, and optimize experiment creation. The standard AutoSampler provides walkaway operation and is equipped with a unique, active agitation capability to keep cells in suspension during sample acquisition.

Spectral technology, easy-to-use software, and automation across the workflow make the ID7000 an excellent fit for facilities looking for a user-friendly, high-performance analyzer that will bring their research to the next level.

Anticipated delivery date: 90 days after receipt of order.

Capability statement /information sought: Small business concerns that believe they possess the capabilities to provide the required services should submit documentation of their ability to meet each of the project requirements to the Contracting Officer. The capability statement must specifically address each of the project requirements separately.  Additionally, the capability statement should include 1) the total number of employees, 2) the professional qualifications of personnel as it relates to the requirements outlined, 3) any contractor GSA Schedule contracts by which all of the requirements may be met, if applicable, and 4) any other information considered relevant to this program. Small businesses must also provide their Company Name, DUNS number, Physical Address, and Point of Contact Information.

Interested small businesses are required to identify their type of business, applicable North American Industry Classification System Code, and size standards in accordance with the Small Business Administration. The government requests that no proprietary or confidential business data be submitted in a response to this notice. However, responses that indicate the information therein is proprietary will be properly safeguarded for Government use only. Capability statements must include the name and telephone number of a point of contact having authority and knowledge to discuss responses with Government representatives. Capability statements in response to this market survey that do not provide sufficient information for evaluation will be considered non-responsive. When submitting this information, reference the solicitation notice number.

One (1) copy of the response is required and must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format using 11-point or 12-point font, 8-1/2” x 11” paper size, with 1” top, bottom, left and right margins, and with single or double spacing.

The information submitted must be in an outline format that addresses each of the elements of the project requirements and in the capability statement /information sought paragraphs stated herein.  A cover page and an executive summary may be included but is not required.

The response is limited to ten (10) pages.  The 10-page limit does not include the cover page, executive summary, or references, if requested.

All capability statements sent in response to this Small Business Sources Sought Notice must be submitted to Fred Ettehadieh, Contracting Officer, by email at [email protected] before the closing date and time of this announcement. All responses must be received by the specified due date and time in order to be considered. Facsimile responses are not acceptable.

“Disclaimer and Important Notes:  This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work.

Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in SAM.gov. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.

Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).”