QIAcube Connect MDx or equal--Sources Sought notice

QIAcube Connect MDx or equal--Sources Sought notice

DESCRIPTION:

The NAICS code is 334516. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is performing market research for the requirement of one (1) QIAcube Connect MDx or equal.    

MINIMUM SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

1. System must perform automated isolation and purification of nucleic acids in molecular diagnostic and/or molecular biology applications.
2. System must offer two software environments for specific user needs: IVD mode (for validated IVD applications) or Research mode (for research applications).
3. System must perform automated DNA, RNA and protein sample processing for a large range of clinical sample types.
4. System must provide UV light decontamination to achieve convenient and efficient worktable decontamination.
5. System must provide traceability and process control including run reports that show the important information for experiments, such as kit expiration dates, sample status, sample location and instrument maintenance information.
6. System must include functionality to allow for multiple user accounts.
7. System must include integrated touchscreen.
8. System must enable purification of nucleic acids or proteins using a simple lysis, bind, wash and elute procedure.
9. System must process up to 12 samples, include: 3 tip/enzyme racks, a sample tube holder/shaker, bottle racks for reagents, a robotic arm with sensors and a UV light for decontamination.
10. Hardware must be in a small benchtop design.

This is a Sources Sought (SS). This is not a presolicitation or solicitation or Request for Quote (RFQ) and is not to be construed as any commitment by the Government. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract and/or pay for any quote preparation costs.  The Government will not accept quotes at this time.  This notice is not an offer by the Government to enter into a contract. Interested Small Business concerns must identify to the contracting officer their interest, socio-economic status and capability to satisfy the Government's requirement by closing date listed. Responses will allow the Government to conduct an initial review of market capabilities in support of requirements identified in the above minimum requirements.

SUBMISSION DETAILS: All interested parties are encouraged to submit a response to this SS announcement. Responses should address the following questions:

1. Company name, cage code, address, point of contact, phone number, and email address.

2. Identification of whether the company is currently designated as a Small Business as defined in FAR Part 19.1 and the appropriate category (i.e. 8a, HubZone, etc.).

3. Company description of relevant capability and experience to provide the supplies in accordance with the minimum requirements above.

The Government encourages you to submit any additional comments or suggestions that you would like to share.

Capability package responses and questions shall be sent electronically to the Point of Contact (POC).

Any responses should be e-mailed to the POC at joseph.hicks.15@us.af.mil no later than Friday 19 August 2022 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Only responses received by this date will be considered.  All questions should be directed to the POC at joseph.hicks.15@us.af.mil.

Be advised that all correspondence sent via e-mail shall contain a subject line that reads “QIAcube Connect MDx or equal”. Note that e-mail filters at Wright-Patterson AFB are designed to filter e-mails without subject lines or with suspicious subject lines or contents (i.e., .exe, or .zip files).  Therefore, if this subject line is not included, the e-mail may not get through the e-mail filters.  Also be advised that .zip or .exe files are not allowable attachments and may be deleted by the e-mail filters at Wright-Patterson AFB.  If sending attachments with e-mail, ensure only .PDF, .doc, docx, xls, or .xsls documents are sent.  The e-mail filter may delete any other form of attachments.

Point of Contact: 

Name: Joseph Hicks  

Title: Contract Specialist

Email: joseph.hicks.15@us.af.mil