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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intends to award a sole source firm fixed price purchase order to Agilent Technologies, Inc. for BioTek Microplate Washers. These plate washers are used for a variety of assays, including cell assays and magnetic bead-based assays. The built-in ultrasonic cleaning process cleans buildup in the manifold tube automatically, without having to remove it from the instrument. Any clogs are automatically detected, as well as wastewater and fluid flow detection. Additionally, these plate washers fit in a small footprint in the exact biosafety cabinet dedicated space that will be housing these pieces of equipment (overall plate washer dimensions: 14" W x 17" D x 10" H (35.6 x 43.2 x 25.4 cm)). These plate washers wash a full 96-well plate at one time (8- or 12-well strip washing is unacceptable), are able to automatically switch up to 4 buffers at a time, contain magnet accessories for biomagnetic separation workflows to ensure high bead recovery during microsphere-based assay testing procedures, and contain angled dispense tubes, along with adjustable aspirate/dispense rates, to ensure the integrity of delicate cell monolayers during cell-based assay testing procedures. No other companies or third-party vendors offer the same technology and specifications that are being sought in this purchase request. This includes the system that can be used for magnetic bead-based assays. This contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (SAP) and 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all responses received within five (5) days of the issuance of this notice will be reviewed by the government. 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. Any response should be emailed to kwp9@cdc.gov by COB 19 September 2023.