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FBO DAILY ISSUE OF OCTOBER 09, 2010 FBO #3241
DOCUMENT

65 -- Sector Imager 2400A - Justification and Approval (J&A)

Notice Date

10/7/2010
 

Notice Type

Justification and Approval (J&A)
 

NAICS

334516 — Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
 

Contracting Office

Department of Veterans Affairs;VA Boston Healthcare System;Contracting Officer (90C);940 Belmont Street;Brockton MA 02301
 

ZIP Code

02301
 

Solicitation Number

VA24110RQ0619
 

Response Due

9/7/2010
 

Archive Date

10/23/2010
 

Point of Contact

Yolanda Cotten
 

E-Mail Address

cting
 

Small Business Set-Aside

N/A
 

Award Number

VA241-P-2046
 

Award Date

9/23/2010
 

Description

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION 1.Identification of (1) the agency (2) the contracting activity. The laboratory of the Director of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Division in (1) the Research Department of the VA Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain campus. 2.Nature and/or description of the action being approved. The purchase of electrochemiluminescent, multi-analyte, analytical laboratory equipment from Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) as a sole source, to include a service package to provide a warranty on the item, covering all maintenance by MSD. 3.Description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs (including the estimated value). 1)SECTOR ® Imager 2400A - The system requested is the SECTOR ® Imager 2400 (Imager), a laboratory analytical instrument designed and manufactured by Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) for measurement of protein biomarkers, such as phosphoproteins, cytokines and other signaling molecules. The Imager utilizes MSD's MULTI-ARRAY ® technology, bringing together electrochemiluminescence detection and patterned array microwell plates. 4.An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. 6.302-1 -- Only One Responsible Source. 5.A demonstration that the proposed contractor's unique qualification or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited. Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) utilizes electrochemiluminescence (ECL) to detect binding events on patterned arrays. The combination forms a unique solution offering sensitivity, dynamic range and the ability to measure multiple analytes in one sample (multiplexing capability). However, this technology does not employ fluidics nor loose coated beads which have been found to decrease the sensitivity and reproducibility. Instead, this technology uses coated wells which are more stable and reliable. The SECTOR ® Imager 2400 laboratory analytical instruments are compatible only with MSD immunoassay kits and vice versa. There are no other technologies that enable multiplexed measurement using electrochemiluminescence for detection. Further, there are no other suppliers that provide a non-fluidics system that utilizes electrochemiluminescence detection. Finally, MSD is the only supplier that sells the SECTOR Imager instruments and compatible micro-well plates and immunoassay kits. 6.Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a FedBizOps notice was or will be published as required by Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies. Information on this equipment was received directly from MSD through their website (www.mesoscale.com) as well as contact with a sales representative. Other companies were contacted to see whether they offered equipment with electrochemiluminescence detection methods and capability of taking measurements from micro-well based assays. Research confirming that other businesses did not offer the similar equipment was conducted by visiting their websites as well as by contacting sales and technical representatives. When appropriate, meetings in person were held with demonstrations. 7.A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable. Although this technology is offered by only one source the equipment has been offered at a substantial discount off the original cost. Given the highly specialized nature and the limited availability of this equipment it is not typical to receive this type of discount. 8.A description of the market research conducted (i.e., names of firms and the date(s) the firms were contacted) and the results or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted. MSD: sales representative: Received information on the detection method of electrochemiluminescence of this instrument as well as the molecules that can be assayed. Received information on the makeup of the assay including the use of micro-well plates specific to this technology. Conducted tests of equipment and assays in person to monitor reproducibility and reliability. The following is the results of those tests: Reproducibility was better than acceptable, producing coefficient of variations less than 10% for samples run in duplicates. Multiple analytes were tested at once with results being reported in the acceptable standard ranges and above all sensitivities. Results were in linear part of standard curves confirming the reliability of reported values. Total run time was between 4 and 6 hours. Results correlated with golden standard technology used for single measurements of analytes. Other technologies were also researched, and other companies were assessed. Neither offered electrochemiluminescence detection or use of micro-well plates for multiple analyte measurement, as needed by this lab. 9.Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition, such as an explanation why technical data packages, specification, engineering description, statements of work, or purchase descriptions suitable for full and open competition have not been developed or are not available. No facts beyond the technology, including electrochemiluminescence and micro-well plates to read multiple analytes, available only from one company (MSD). 10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition. Director of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Division of the VA Healthcare System (West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain/Boston, and Brockton campuses). 11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required. Contracting Activity will continue to encourage full and open competition whenever possible.
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/VA/BoVAMC/VAMCCO80220/VA24110RQ0619/listing.html)
 

Document(s)

Justification and Approval (J&A)
 

File Name: VA241-P-2046 VA241-P-2046_1.docx (https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentServer/DocumentServer.aspx?DocumentId=159871&FileName=VA241-P-2046-000.docx)

Link: https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentServer/DocumentServer.aspx?DocumentId=159871&FileName=VA241-P-2046-000.docx

 

Note: If links are broken, refer to Point of Contact above or contact the FBO Help Desk at 877-472-3779.
 

Record

SN02307937-W 20101009/101007234207-05786911c80f71a3b1f0c0d2f72f7c22 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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