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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Vaccine Branch (VB) requires the procur... The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Vaccine Branch (VB) requires the procurement of one Becton Dickson FACSympony A5 flow cytometer or equivalent to replace an existing LSRII flow cytometer. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice, and shall be processed in accordance with FAR subpart 13.5 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation, 75N91020Q00055, is issued as a request for quote (RFQ) and includes all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through FAR Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2020-07 (07-02-2020), simplified acquisition procedures for commercial items. The North American Industry Classification System code is 334516 and the business size standard is 1,000 employees. 1.0 BRAND NAME OR EQUAL This requirement is for the procurement of the brand name or equivalent instrument described in section 4.0. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provision FAR 52.211-6, Brand Name or Equal (AUG 1999) is applicable to this requirement. 2.0 BACKGROUND The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Vaccine Branch (VB) requires the procurement of one Becton Dickson FACSympony A5 flow cytometer or equivalent. BD Biosciences, the manufacturer of a LSRII flow cytometer in the Vaccine Branch Flow Cytometry Core, will no longer be available to support the instrument starting in September 2020. It is critical that the LSRII is replaced so that the mission of CCR will not be negatively impacted. The required instrument is being procured under a replacement timeline developed the NCI Flow Cytometry Core Managers. 3.0 TYPE OF ORDER This is a Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order. 4.0 PRODUCT FEATURES/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS The following product features/characteristics are required. Lasers: 488nm 400mw Coherent Sapphire laser 628nm 200mw MPB laser 405nm 200mw Coherent OBIS laser 532nm 200mw Coherent Sapphire laser 355nm 60mw Coherent G4 UV laser Quantiflash Pulser LED to QC detectors with upgrade kit for integration Fluidics: Integrated System High Throughput: 96 well sample loading system Detectors: 30 parameters (FSC, SSC and 28 Flurorescent) 488nm: BB515, BB630, BB660, BB700, BB790 628nm: APC, Alexa 700, APC-Cy7 405nm: BV421, BV480, BV570, BV605, BV650, BV711, BV750, BV786 532nm: PE, PE-CF596, PE -Cy5, PE-Cy7 355nm: BUV395, DAPI, BUV496, BUV563, BUV615, BUV661, BUV737, BUV805 The instrument shall: Have the capability of up to 10 lasers, 50 parameters with 48 colors to future-proof the instrument so that it can be upgraded to handle future reagents and application needs. Use state of the art fiber optics to carry the light/fluorescent signal from the flow cell to the photomultiplier tube detectors (PMTs) to minimize noise in each channel. Have option of tube, APD or Silicon Chip detectors based on maximum channel sensitivity with each type to optimize each channel for the best signal to noise ratio. Have the Decagon optical arrangement for 5 lasers for the detection of up to 10 fluorochromes per laser. Have air-cooled lasers and not have special room requirements (no special electrical requirements, no special plumbing requirements, and no special air requirements). The facility is not equipped for water cooled lasers so all lasers shall be air-cooled. Also, the facility is not set up for special electrical or plumbing requirements. Have fixed alignment optics in conjunction with solid state lasers ranging in power from 60mW UV to 1000mW 532nm. Fixed alignment lasers allow for more consistency between experiments and since many experiments in this facility run for more than 1 year, this is a requirement. Have easily replaceable optical filters and mirrors for experimental flexibility. This is a requirement for any Core instrument to have the flexibility to handle different fluorochromes for different applications. Have sensitivity of <30 MESF-PE and <80 MESF-FITC. This sensitivity range is required to be compatible with all ongoing experiments. Provide for performing real-time statistics via the integrated software to monitor experimental samples during acquisition. Have software for standardizing and Quality Control (QC) of the instrument. This software must automate the QC of numerous parameters and alerts the user if a parameter does not meet specification and tracks the QC parameters over time. Upgrade to a LED Integrated Pulser QC tool shall be optional. Having quality control built into the software is needed to standardize experimental samples that are acquired at different times (many months apart) during long-term experiments. Be capable of analyzing at least 30 logical gates. The nature of the vaccine samples often run on the instrument requires the analysis of rare populations of cells that require many markers to define. Have state of the art low noise digital acquisition electronics with acquisition speeds of 40000 events per second. These acquisition speeds are required to process samples that are acquired at over 1 million events per data file. Have the capability to sample from 96 well microtiter plates with an automated sampler. The 96 well automated sampler shall have the ability to run a 96 well plate in the high throughput mode is less than 15 minutes. One assay that is run frequently in the Core is an ADCC assay that is stained and run out of 96 well plates. The instrument shall have the ability to run this assay. Have the option of adding a Forward Scatter PMT for detection limits of .2 microns. One of the Principal Investigators using the Core studies extracellular vesicles and the instrument must have the ability to run small particles. Have the software capability of Laser Control Software which allows the user to adjust laser power up or down on an as needed basis since different experiments have different fluorochromes with different laser requirements. Be software compatible with existing laboratory and institute high parameter cytometers that are manufactured by BD Biosciences for ease of transition of existing experimental protocols and minimum operator training. The FACS Core currently has 2 BD FACSymphony A5 analyzers 1 BD LSRII analyzer and a BD FACSAriaIII cell sorter. Include a HP Z2 tower G4 workstation or equivalent that operates using Windows 10 to run the instrument and software. Include reagents to evaluate and determine optimal instrument settings including: A high parameter immunology panel of human antibody reagents for instrument setup A prototype fluorochrome evaluation kit with human antibody reagents for evaluating detectors where non-standard reagents can be used (BB630, BB660, BB790, BUV615) These reagents are critical to instrument setup for this core facility. Similar reagents including the proprietary reagents, BB630, BB660, BB790 and BUV615 are currently being used in existing experimental panels. These reagents will allow this instrument to be setup in the same manner as the two existing FACSymphony A5 instruments in the core. Include reagents to assist in designing and setting up high parameter staining panels including: A high parameter reagent design kit with access to 150 small scale fluorochrome conjugated antibodies, including proprietary fluorochromes These reagents will be used to setup future staining panels that are compatible with existing protocols. 4.1 OPTIONAL TRADE-IN: Quoters are encouraged to provide a trade-in credit for a Government-Owned Becton Dickinson LSRII flow cytometer (S/N H47200028). Quoters offering a trade-in credit shall provide all applicable costs for removal of the existing system such as labor, equipment, packaging/crates, shipping, and insurance. 4.2 DELIVERY / INSTALLATION Delivery shall be within 120 business days of purchase order award. The Contractor shall coordinate delivery and tracking information with the NCI Contracting Officer Representative (COR), TBD at award, and Technical Point of Contact (TPOC), TBD at award, with tracking information to anticipate delivery to the best extent possible. Upon delivery, the Contractor shall notify the COR and TPOC to schedule the installation date and time which shall occur within 5 business days after delivery. All shipping/handling (including FOB) and delivery/installation fees shall be included in the quote. Installation shall be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified operator. If the Contractor offers a trade-in credit as identified in section 4.1 above, then the Contractor shall be solely responsible for the removal of the Becton Dickinson LSRII flow cytometer (S/N H47200028) during the scheduled installation. The Contractor shall deliver and install the equipment at the following address: ATTN: TBD at award 41 Medlars Drive Room C310 Bethesda, MD 20892 4.3 TRAINING Within 14 business days after installation, at least one day of on-site training will be provided for at least one primary user of the instrument. All training expenses, including materials and/or travel expenses shall be included in the quoted price. 4.4 WARRANTY The Contractor shall warrant that any instruments, equipment, components, or other supplies (“Supplies”) procured by this purchase are free of defects in design, material, or manufacture for a period of at least one (1) calendar year from date of acceptance by the Government. The Contractor shall warrant that all consumables or expendable parts are free of defects in design, material, or manufacture for a period of at least 90 calendar days from date of acceptance by the Government. Supplies which are repaired or replaced shall be warranted for the remainder of the initial warranty period or for 90-days – whichever is greater. At least one preventative maintenance visit during the warranty period shall be included at no additional cost to the Government. Phone support, remote diagnostics and troubleshooting, and field service shall be included with the warranty and shall have a 48-hour on-site turnaround time by a designated OEM service engineer. 5.0 PAYMENT Payment shall be made upon delivery, inspection, and acceptance by the Government. Payment authorization requires submission and approval of invoices to the NCI COR and NIH OFM, in accordance with the payment provisions listed below: The following clause is applicable to all Purchase Orders, Task or Delivery Orders, and Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Calls: Prompt Payment (JAN 2017) FAR 52.232-25. Highlights of this clause and NIH implementation requirements follow: I. Invoice Requirements An invoice is the Contractor's bill or written request for payment under the contract for supplies delivered or services performed. A proper invoice is an "Original" which must include the items listed in subdivisions 1 through 12, below, in addition to the requirements of FAR 32.9. If the invoice does not comply with these requirements, the Contractor will be notified of the defect within 7 days after the date the designated billing office received the invoice (3 days for meat, meat food products, or fish, and 5 days for perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, edible fats or oils) with a statement of the reasons why it is not a proper invoice. (See exceptions under II., below.) Untimely notification will be taken into account in the computation of any interest penalty owed the Contractor. Vendor/Contractor: Name, Address, Point of Contact for the invoice (Name, title, telephone number, e-mail and mailing address of point of contact). Remit-to address (Name and complete mailing address to send payment). Remittance name must match exactly with name on original order/contract. If the Remittance name differs from the Legal Business Name, then both names must appear on the invoice. Invoice date. Unique invoice #s for all invoices per vendor regardless of site. NBS document number formats must be included for awards created in the NBS: Contract Number; Purchase Order Number; Task or Delivery Order Number and Source Award Number (e.g., Indefinite Delivery Contract number; General Services Administration number); or, BPA Call Number and BPA Parent Award Number. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) or DUNS + 4 as registered in WWW.SAM.GOV. Federal Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). In those exceptional cases where a contractor does not have a DUNS number or TIN, a Vendor Identification Number (VIN) must be referenced on the invoice. The VIN is the number that appears after the contractor’s name on the face page of the award document. Identify that payment is to be made using a three-way match. Description of supplies/services that match the description on the award, by line billed.* Freight or delivery charge must be billed as shown on the award. If it is included in the item price do not bill it separately. If identified in the award as a separate line item, it must be billed separately. Quantity, Unit of Measure, Unit Price, Extended Price of supplies delivered or services performed, as applicable, and that match the line items specified in the award.* * NOTE: If your invoice must differ from the line items on the award, please contact the Contracting Officer before submitting the invoice. A modification to the order or contract may be needed before the invoice can be submitted and paid. Shipping costs will be reimbursed only if authorized by the Contract/Purchase Order. If authorized, shipping costs must be itemized. Where shipping costs exceed $100, the invoice must be supported by a bill of lading or a paid carrier's receipt. For inquiries regarding payment call: (301) 496-6088 II. Invoice Payment A. Except as indicated in paragraph B., below, the due date for making invoice payments by the designated payment office shall be the later of the following two events: The 30th day after the designated billing office has received a proper invoice. The 30th day after Government acceptance of supplies delivered or services performed. B. The due date for making invoice payments for meat and meat food products, perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, and edible fats or oils, shall be in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act, as amended. III. Electronic Invoice Submission The current national emergency and the need to protect Federal and Contractor staff has resulted in a change to NIH’s invoice submission process. Effective Wednesday, April 1, 2020, all NIH contractors/vendors invoices should be sent electronically via email to the NIH Office of Financial Management (OFM) and the NIH Contracting Officer (CO) using the electronic submission instructions contained in Attachment #1. Electronic invoice submission shall remain in effect until the Government formally notifies the Contractor of a return to mail-in invoice procedures detailed in this purchase order. IV. Interest Penalties A. An interest penalty shall be paid automatically, if payment is not made by the due date and the conditions listed below are met, if applicable. A proper invoice was received by the designated billing office. A receiving report or other Government documentation authorizing payment was processed and there was no disagreement over quantity, quality, or contractor compliance with a term or condition. In the case of a final invoice for any balance of funds due the contractor for supplies delivered or services performed, the amount was not subject to further settlement actions between the Government and the Contractor. B. Determination of interest and penalties due will be made in accordance with the provisions of the Prompt Payment Act, as amended, the Contract Disputes Act, and regulations issued by the Office of Management and Budget. V. PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENT TO SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS, FAR 52.232-40 (December 2013) a) Upon receipt of accelerated payments from the Government, the Contractor shall make accelerated payments to its small business subcontractors under this contract, to the maximum extent practicable and prior to when such payment is otherwise required under the applicable contract or subcontract, after receipt of a proper invoice and all other required documentation from the small business subcontractor. b) The acceleration of payments under this clause does not provide any new rights under the prompt Payment Act. 6.0 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS/EVALUATION QUESTIONS Questions must be submitted electronically via email to Contract Specialist, Adam Hernandez, at adam.hernandez@nih.gov in MS Word or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), no later than 9:00 A.M. EST, Monday, July 20, 2020 (07/20/2020). Please be advised that the Government reserves the right to transmit any questions and answers of a common interest to all prospective Contractors. QUOTATIONS Quotations must be submitted electronically via email to Contract Specialist, Adam Hernandez, at adam.hernandez@nih.gov in MS Word or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), no later than 9:00 A.M. EST, Monday, July 27, 2020 (07/27/2020). Please refer to solicitation number: 75N91020Q00055 on all correspondence. BASIS FOR AWARD & EVALUATION The purchase order will be awarded to the firm that submits the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) quotation. A technically acceptable quote is one in which the quoter(s) complies with the Statement of Need (SON) and does not take exception, nor object to any of the terms of the RFQ. Quotes that are not technically acceptable will not be considered for award. An award will be made on an all or none basis. If you are providing an “equal” product, you must submit additional documentation that highlights and describes how your offering is equal in accordance with FAR Clause 52.211-6. Evaluation and award will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of FAR 13.106. The technical evaluation will be a determination based on information furnished by the Contractor. The Government is not responsible for locating or securing any information which is not identified in the quotation. The Government intends to evaluate quotations and make a single award. Quotations should contain the quoter’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to request quote revisions that seek additional price discounts, provide revisions to the technical quote, or clarify aspects of the quote. In the event quote revisions are requested, the Government will not necessarily be seeking revisions from all quoters. The Government may reject any or all quotes if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest quote; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in quotes received. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS This Request for Quotation (RFQ) does not commit the Government to pay any cost for preparation and submission of a quote. In addition, the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this proposed acquisition. By submitting a quote in response to this solicitation, it is understood that your firm’s quote shall become a part of the official contract file. Quotes must be submitted with a completed copy of FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment, located in the SOLICITATION PROVISIONS attached to this RFQ. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, all Quoters must pay close attention to the following delivery instructions and ensure that sufficient information is included in each quote to be considered for an award. Please be aware that due to the fluidity of the existing pandemic, instructions may be updated as needed after award. All quotes must include confirmation that equipment is or will be available for delivery by the due date indicated in section 4.2 above. Quoters must confirm: Willingness to store or hold equipment until NCI is ready to accept the equipment at no additional cost. The equipment will not be sold to another company in the event NCI is not ready to accept delivery due to unanticipated changes related to COVID-19. Training as identified in section 4.3 may be made available and provided to required staff at different times and dates at no additional cost. Communicate and follow instructions from the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to coordinate delivery, installation, and training. The delivery address and COR’s information will be provided at time of award and must be included as part of the order/shipping label. Price Quote: The Quoter shall prepare a price quotation that contains all information necessary to allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the prices quoted. The quote must contain the following information: a. Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN); b. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number; c. Business Size (e.g., small or large) If you are providing a trade-in credit for the existing equipment detailed in section 4.1 above, the total quoted price to be evaluated must identify the total new equipment price, less the total trade-in credit amount in sufficient detail. For example: New equipment $0.00 Less Trade-in Value ($0.00) Total $0.00 **Please include a statement to the effect that pricing is firm for a period of at least 60 days from the date of receipt thereof by the Government.