Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) has a requirement to replace an existing diagnostic instrument manufactured by Cephid Inc.  The Government intends to procure this system on a sole source basis from Cephid Inc. because preliminary market research indicates that Cephid's instrument has unique characteristics, including the capability to run 20 different tests on the same system in a random access method, can complete a complex MTB assay in two hours and is always operational because the system is modular.  These capabilities result in the results being reported to the health care practitioner in a more timely manner, thereby increasing the probability of a better treatment outcome.  It will also enable patients' samples to be processed individually in real time without the need to batch the samples.  Further, the World Health Organization has endorsed the company's MTB assay.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotations and a solicitation for this requirement will not be issued.  Prospective offerors are advised that, because there are no other known sources, the agency has authorized the procurement of this item under other than full and open competition under FAR 6.3.  However, interested responsible sources may submit a capability statement for the agency's consideration in determining whether a competitive procurement should be conducted in the future for this product.  A copy of the Justification and Approval will be posted no later than 14 days after contract award.

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