The Naval Medical Logistics Command (NMLC) intends to award a sole source contract under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(i) to Duke University (Duke); Durhan, NC, 27708, for performing a complete BioMark Fluidigm ®-TaqMan® gene expression assay in 648 samples that are to be run in a 96 x 96 GE chip format in support of the Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio (NAMRU-SA), Fort Sam Houston, TX. NAMRU-SA will conduct research that requires Biomark Fluidigm® high-throughput gene expression for analysis of genes involved in cellular response to vascularized composite allograft static preservation and subsequent reperfusion. These experiments will help to determine the role that several genes from different tissues play in the preservation of extremities and how their molecular mechanisms can determine tissue outcome such as immune-mediated rejection or promote a successful healing process. The requirement is for performing a complete BioMark Fluidigm ®-TaqMan® gene expression assay in 648 samples that are to be run in a 96 x 96 GE chip format. Requirements include: (1) test the quality of RNA received; (2) purchase all necessary reagents and supplies needed to reverse transcribe all RNA samples received to cDNA; (3) perform reverse transcription to convert it to cDNA prior to Fluidigm analysis; (4) purchase all necessary reagents and supplies needed to load and run up to 8-96x96 format Fluidigm chips in a BioMark Fluidigm® system; (5) provide basic analysis of data; and (6) supply NAMRU-SA with data outputs in table and heat formats within three months of sample delivery. The only assay components supplied by NAMRU-SA will be the RNA samples and specified TaqMan® probes necessary to evaluate gene expression. Each delivery order will state the quantities needed and the required delivery date. The ordering period will be for a period of 12-months.

Duke has been identified as the only vendor capable of providing the gene analysis necessary to meet NAMRU-SA's research project requirements. NAMRU-SA does not have this capability in-house, nor do any other known vendors.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation document exists for the requirement. Sources interested in responding to this notice are required to submit a capability statement that includes management and technical data and cost information, in sufficient detail and with convincing evidence that clearly demonstrates the capability to perform the required work. Capability statements shall not exceed 5 (8.5 x 11 inch) pages using a font size no smaller than 10-point. All capability statements received by the due date of this notice will be considered by the Government. A request for documentation or additional information or submissions that only ask questions will not be considered as an affirmative response. A determination by the Government not to compete based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement or to proceed with a sole source contract.

Capability statements are due by 4:30 PM Local Time, 10 November 2015. Capability statements shall be submitted by e-mail ONLY as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachment to the following address: [email protected].

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