Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Aptamer Library Generation Services for USAMRIID

The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) intends to award a Firm Fixed Price, sole source, contract on behalf of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) to Aptagen, LLC located at 250 N Main Street, Jacobus, PA 17407, under the authority as prescribed in FAR 13.501 (a) (1) ( ii), sole source (including brand name) under the authority of simplified procedures for certain commercial items.

This new requirement is for the need to generate two (2) Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Aptamer Library Generation per anticipated projects per year. These aptamer libraries will consist of ~1000 - ~10,000 targeted aptamers. These libraries will target specific alpha-conotoxins and palytoxins and should be capable of broad-spectrum interactions and libraries targeting four (4) to six (6) viral targets. This new requirement was identified to support USAMRIID’s project NB38075, Development of broad-spectrum DNA aptamers to neutralize toxins.

Aptagen LLC is the only vendor capable of providing reagents that can be used on site to initiate the process, train in their use, and then synthesize and characterize the aptamers that are promising candidates. Aptagen, LLC is a leader in aptamer library generation. Aptagen owns its proprietary processes of aptamer development. They are the only company to provide aptamer library kits along with library characterization services. Further, Aptagen LLC provides the ability for USAMRIID to leverage its expertise while retaining possession of the select agent in accordance with USAMRIID’s strict and rigorous access and control protocols, allowing for the production of the libraries within said containment parameters.

This notice of intent is NOT a request for quotations (RFQ) and no solicitation document exists for the requirement; however, if a vendor challenges the basis for this requirement, please submit a capability statement that includes sufficient detail and with convincing evidence that clearly demonstrates the capability to provide these services.  

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.  A request for documentation or additional information or submissions that only ask questions will not be considered as an affirmative response.  A determination by the Government not to compete based on 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 or to proceed with a sole source procurement. 

Capability statements are due no later than 1300 Eastern Time, 06 February 2025. Capability statements shall be submitted, via email ONLY, as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachment to the following email addresses christina.m.lewis14.civ@health.mil and jayme.l.fletcher2.civ@health.mil. No phone calls will be accepted.