The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Genetics Branch plans to procure on a sole source basis Methylation Goldengate Assay Kits from Illumina, Inc.; 9885 Towne Centre Drive; San Diego, CA 92121.

This acquisition will be processed in accordance with simplified acquisition procedures as stated in FAR Part 13.106-1 (b)(1). The North American Industry Classification System code is 334516 the business size standard is 500 employees. 

The Genetics Branch of the Center for Cancer Research at the NCI is engaged in the study of cancer genetics. Analysis of genetic alteration is an integral technique to the function of the Genetics Branch. By using Genotyping BeadChip arrays to analyze copy number alteration, the NCI is able to investigate the role that specific genes or groups of genes play to influence carcinogenesis and cancer progression in tumor and cancer cell line samples. The single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Genotyping BeadChip arrays consist of 50-mer oligos immobilized on microbeads embedded in an array format. They are manufactured on custom slides and contain >370,000 target loci. The proposed microarrays will be analyzed and scanned on the NCI’s existing Illumina BeadChip scanner.

The Methylation Goldengate Assay Kits are an advanced development in microarrays. They consist of microscope slides embedded with almost 1 million microscopic beads, which are coated with target sequences for genes. Each slide contains 8 of these embedded micro-bead arrays that allow 8 microarray experiments to be performed consecutively on the same slides.

 The Illumina Methylation Goldengate Assay Kits are an advanced approach to addressing reproducibility and quality issues in microarray data. Because of the unique approach of using micro-beads as microarray targets, it is possible to hybridize to 30-40 replicate targets. (in our in-house printed slides we are currently hybridizing to only a single target). By hybridizing to replicate targets, we can average data, which will provide reproducibility and quality never before possible. Further, due to the high density of the micro-beads, whole genome arrays are not possible on a single slide. In fact, multiple arrays (8) are manufactured on a single slide allowing multiple consecutive experiments to be performed, reducing labor and reagent costs. These Genome Typing kits are unique and have no competitive source.

Illumina is the sole source offering Methylation Goldengate Assay Kits embedded in an array format that are scannable on the NCI’s current BeadArray scanner. They are manufactured on custom slides and contain >3 target loci. Each oligo on the beadchip is present at a 30-fold redundancy for a statistically powerful result unavailable from any other manufacturer. The SNP Genotyping Beadchip arrays allow analysis of both whole genomic copy number alterations and loss of heterozygosity in the same analysis. Illumina’s assay kits/beadchip arrays are the only arrays, which are quality controlled at the manufacturer through a process of iterative hybridization. Because of this, Illumina is the only known source to the NCI who can provide the items requested.

This is not a solicitation for competitive quotations.  However, if any interested party believes it can perform the requirement as detailed they may submit a statement of capabilities. All information furnished shall be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow the NCI to determine if it can meet the above unique specifications described herein.  An original and one copy of the capability statement must be received in the contracting office by 11:00 am EDT, on August 28, 2008.  All questions must be in writing and must be emailed to Karri Mares at [email protected] faxed to (301) 402-4513. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon 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.  In order to receive an award from the NCI contractors must be registered in the Online Representations and Certifications Applications (ORCA).  Please refer to http://orca.bpn.gov    In addition; contractors must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) www.ccr.gov. No collect calls will be accepted. Please reference NCI-80179-KM on all correspondence.