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The Laboratory of Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Disease (TRND), a branch of the NIH Center for Translational Therapeutics (NCTT), is requesting a 384/1536-Well Pintool, Model NX for low-volume, high precision liquid transfer. This instrument is needed to handle the existing protocols of compound library replication, dilution, and delivery to high-density format assays established by the NIH Chemical Genomics Center (NCGC), a branch of the NCTT. The implementation of existing technology and protocols will ensure the highest levels of accuracy and experimental efficiency across all laboratories under the NCTT.
The Hornet NX pintool is a fully programmable workstation. The programming information (operation type, number of dips, etc.) is stored in files called methods. Methods can be started manually (by the operator) on the on-line and off-line pintool and automatically (by the dispatcher) on the on-line system. There are 3 nests on the pintool: Chilled nest (for controls), compound plate nest, and assay plate nest. The plate position has a locking nest for positioning and securing the plates during transfer operations. Two of the nests (assay plate and compound plate) have a pair of pneumatic actuators for positioning the plate in the X and Y axis. The assay nest uses vacuum to hold the plate down; an operator switchable (on/off) sensor can be used to verify that the plate has been accurately loaded on the nest. When the plate is correctly positioned, the bottom side of the outside edge of the plate rests on the pins and the actuator end effectors. The plate should be flat and loose when placed correctly. The third nest is a chilled, static nest. This plate is passive (it has no locking mechanism) and has a lid to minimize evaporation. The pinhead contains 1536 pins, each with 10nl slots. The pins float in a Teflon coated pintool head frame. They are unconstrained in the vertical axis and are held down only by gravity. The pin head can be easily removed and has manual adjustments for rotation around the z-axis and tilt (pitch and roll).
The sole source determination is based on the fact that DJK Scientific, Inc. is the sole distributer of the Wako Compact Screening Systems, Hornet- NX and no other product will fulfill the Government's need. Additionally, the Hornet NX pin transfer station is identical to the one used currently by the NCGC. This identical technology is needed to reproduce performance and protocol transfer between the laboratories within the NCTT. This additional unit will improve data consistency and quality, enabling a seamless transition of assays from the bench to the full automation between the laboratories of the NCTT. In order to maximize the technology available to NCTT staff, this additional unit will enable NCTT to replicate and duplicate existing protocols and will allow for the flexibility to use the exact same technology for all protocols if one unit becomes broken or is down due to routine repairs. Using this same technology will eliminate the introduction of costly new variables into the data and this factor will result in significant cost savings to NCTT terms of man hours and consumables costs.
Product Description:
1. Qty.-1, HTS1000, NX-TR Hornet-NX
This acquisition is being conducted under FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, and is exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6, Competition Requirements. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 423830 and the Size Standard is 100 Employees. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. The determination by the Government not to compete the proposed purchase order based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Comments to this announcement, referencing synopsis number NHLBI-CSB-(HG)-2011-081-RSF may be submitted by mail to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Office of Acquisitions, , 6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 6151, Bethesda, MD 20892-7902, Attention: Rashida Ferebee, by fax transmission to (301) 480-3345 or by email to [email protected]
This action is under the authority of 41.U.S.C.253(c)(1), as set forth in FAR 13.106(b)(2), and HHSAR 306-302-1. Interested parties responding to this announcement need to do so by 7:00am Eastern Standard Time on January 30, 2011.