Brand name or equal: KingFisher Apex Purification System
Waiver type - Procurement: Nonavailability
Agency: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (7529) • Product Service Code (PSC) : 6640 | Last Modified: 09/12/2023
Procurement Summary
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Proteomics Core Facility (PCF) provides protein identification, protein post-translational modification mapping, and protein quantitation services for NIH-wide investigators. The facility is also utilized for collaborations involving various complicated protein quantitation strategies. Over the past several years, identifying protein binding partners via labeled or label free quantitation workflows has been the most requested services by PCF users. Most samples contain detergent which is not compatible with the downstream mass spectrometry analysis. Traditionally, protein precipitation is used to remove the detergent from the protein samples. The method has relatively poor sample cleanup and low protein yield. The recently developed S-trap method involves more than 20 manual steps. It is so time consuming that it becomes the main reason for longer turnaround time. The required instrument automates cleanup of protein by moving magnetic beads, not liquids, which enables the removal of detergent with consistent protein extraction and high protein yield. Not only can this instrument process a much greater number of samples simultaneously than is possible manually, it will also reduce errors and increase reproducibility, which is crucial for the success of labeled or label free quantitation services used by majority of the PCF users.
Waiver Rationale Summary
At this time, no domestic end products have been identified that are capable of fulfilling this requirement. The program and contracting offices conducted extensive market research, including vendor outreach, a review of Government databases, and posting a public Sources Sought Notice. However, the only instrument that clearly satisfies all of NINDS’ required salient characteristics is the KingFisher Apex Purification System, which is manufactured in Singapore. While the U.S. does have a free trade agreement with Singapore, the estimated value of this acquisition is below the threshold of $92,319 published in FAR Part 25.402. As a result, the Buy American Statue is applicable. However, restricting the solicitation to domestic end products would present an unacceptable level of risk to the program office as vendors would be prohibited from submitting a quote for the only instrument that appears capable of satisfying this requirement. This could potentially result in award to a company proposing a technically unacceptable product or no award at all. As this would have a severe impact on NINDS’ mission, a Buy American waiver is requested. This would enable award to a vendor proposing a non-domestic end product in the event that they submit the lowest-price, technically acceptable quote (including the appropriate price evaluation factor (if applicable).
Yes
Yes
Consistent with Policy
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
09/01/2023
75N95023Q00564
Post-solicitation
Instant Delivery Only
Individual Waiver
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH