Single cell RNA Sequencing System NIAID-SS-25-2265393

Sources Sought (SS) Notice Title: Single cell RNA Sequencing System ID: NIAID-SS-25-2265393 Post Date: 07/18/2025 Response Date: 08/04/2025 Classification Code: 6640 Laboratory Equipment and Supplies NAICS: 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing Introduction This is a Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of all qualified sources to perform a potential requirement. Project Summary The Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section (VPES) and The Clinical Studies Unit (CSU) within Laboratory of Infectious Diseases (LID) conducts research directed toward defining the causes and epidemiology of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viral disease and developing means for their control, including universal influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development. VPES and CSU engages in a wide range of research activities that extends from clinical virology to molecular characterization of highly virulent influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses that cause severe, acute disease of the respiratory tracts in animal models to the development of novel vaccines and antiviral drugs. We also study immune responses and disease following human influenza viral challenge at the NIH Clinical Center. Scientists in the VPES employ high-throughput genomic, proteomic and machine learning computational approaches to elucidate pathogenesis of influenza disease, understand the response to infection, contagiousness, development of severe illness, as well as identify the molecular correlates of vaccine protection in animals and humans. This acquisition is for the H5N1 Countermeasures Research Project, to identify novel molecular structures with antiviral properties that can be utilized to help combat the ongoing avian influenza pandemic in poultry and wild birds (and prevent future spread to humans). The Chromium X single-cell sequencer will be used to understand cellular diversity and intracellular mechanisms of in-vitro and in-vivo samples. We will utilize the associated Chromium kits to perform scRNA-seq of cell suspensions isolated from infected animal tissues and dissociated primary human airway cultures. Specifically, NIAID, is seeking one Single cell RNA Sequencing System capable of the following: The Single cell RNA Sequencing System enables a broad range of applications and study sizes through sequencing by synthesis and sample multiplexing. The minimal salient characteristics for the system are as follows: Size: The system shall have a small footprint of less than 12in height x 12in width x 20in depth, allowing for benchtop or BSC use. The machine shall weigh no more than 45lbs. Capability: The high-throughput system shall efficiently partition and barcode up to 2.5 million fresh, frozen, or fixed cells in a single run. Runs shall be completed in 6 minutes or under, enhancing workflow efficiency. In addition to fresh and frozen samples, it shall also support a broad range of sample types including FFPE samples. The system shall support on-chip multiplexing without additional upstream tagging, and must provide efficient and reproducible cell recovery of up to 80% (reducing multiplet rates as compared to methods like combinatorial barcoding). An in-built microfluidics system shall enable large-scale analysis at less than 1 cent per cell, and input shall be flexible from 500 to 20k cells per sample. Custom probes shall accommodate analysis of sample types from both mice and humans. Streamlined Workflow: The workflow should be able to be completed in a single day, half the time of manual methods. The platform shall include intuitive processing and visualization software with integrated analysis workflows, allowing rapid export of data and deep technical expertise. Kit Integration and Cost: The system shall offer at least three integrated kits, which shall include a range of multi-omic assays for multiplex or customizable analysis. Assays shall provide whole transcriptome coverage and include gene expression, immune clonotype, chromatin accessibility, and cell surface and other protein detection platforms. Kits will include internal controls and normalization and be designed to minimize handling and user errors via automated cell partitioning and barcoding. Flexibility and Connectivity: The system shall provide wireless connectivity and integration with a cloud backup for real-time support and software updates. The system should provide various connectivity options including ethernet, Wi-fi, USB, and cloud access with no limit to the number of runs or scale of studies. Maintenance and Training: The system shall include a 12-month warranty and a 12-month service insurance plan, with technicians and specialist available for any questions or resources. The system should have the capability of providing training kits to allow for inexpensive instrument validation and practice, and tailored training sessions must be available to the user if needed. The vendor shall provide comprehensive resources for assistance, including user guides, protocols, how-to videos, and analysis guides. The system should provide continuous software development and free upgrades to allow for access to different assays and up-to-date performance. Continuity: The laboratory section uses existing instrumentation from 10x Genomics. The system must be seamlessly compatible with 10x Genomic Kits, 10x Genomics GEM-X Universal Expression and Next GEM Single Cell Kits. To ensure the continuity of laboratory studies, the system must feature the same connections and capabilities. Anticipated Period of Performance It is anticipated that an award will be made on or about August 29, 2025. Estimated lead time for delivery of Equipment is 45-90 days upon Vendor s receipt of the purchase order. Capability Statement/Information Sought If your organization has the potential capacity to meet the minimum requirements and performance capabilities listed above, please provide the following information: Organization name, address, point of contact, email address, website address, telephone number, UEI number. Company location(s) and number of years company has been in business. Type of business (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, Other than Small, etc.) pursuant to the applicable NAICS code. Type of ownership for the organization. Identification of any Best-In-Class contract vehicles including Government Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC) (e.g., GSA schedule) they may possess or are aware of that would support this possible requirement. If your organization does not provide the products/services under a GWAC, please identify availability as OPEN MARKET ONLY. Tailored capability statement addressing the capability of the sequencing instrument to meet NIAID s minimum requirements. Capability document shall be no more than six pages. Place of manufacture for the Single cell RNA Sequencing System. Evidence that the organization is an authorized reseller or manufacturer of the instrument. Only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) products are acceptable. Submission Instructions Interested businesses who consider themselves qualified to provide the above specification for the Single cell RNA Sequencing System, are invited to submit a response to this Sources Sought Notice by August 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST. All responses under this Sources Sought Notice shall be emailed to Shaun Rostad at shaun.rostad@nih.gov Disclaimer and Important Notes This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization s qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published on SAM.gov. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. Confidentiality No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).

COMBINED SYNOPSIS / SOLICITATION-COMPETITIVE Title: Single cell RNA Sequencing System This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6 Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items , as applicable, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is NIAID-SS-25-2265393 and the solicitation is issued as request for quotation (RFQ). This acquisition is for a commercial item or service and is conducted under the authority of the FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures; and FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items and is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-05, dated 08-07-2025. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code for this procurement is 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, and the small business size standard 1,000 employees or less. This requirement is not set-aside for small business. The Government anticipates making a single award Firm Fixed Price (FFP) purchase order. By submission of a quote, the Offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered and viewable in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to award, during performance, and through final payment resulting from this solicitation (www.sam.gov). Statement of Need The proposed purchase is for Brand Name or Equal products/services. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) requires the Single cell RNA Sequencing System equipment for the H5N1 Countermeasures Research Project, to identify novel molecular structures with antiviral properties that can be utilized to help combat the ongoing avian influenza pandemic in poultry and wild birds (and prevent future spread to humans). See Attachment 1 Bill of Materials, for additional details. Line Items: Through this procurement NIDA anticipates a single award, firm fixed price purchase order for the Single cell RNA Sequencing System and component parts as described in Attachment 1 Bill of Materials. It is anticipated that the period of performance shall consist of a 12-month Base Period, which will begin upon receipt of the items. Below is a table that contains the line item number and description of the requirement for the anticipated award of the Base Period. The proposed purchase is for a Brand Name or Equal product. The brand name and model number and the part number of the product(s) are provided in Attachment 1 Bill of Materials (BOM) and in the table below. Specifically, NIAID, is seeking one (1) Brand Name or Equal 10X Genomics Chromium X System. Item # QTY Product Code Description 1 3 1000691 GEM-X Universal 3' Gene Expression v4, 16 samples 2 3 1000690 Chromium GEM-X Single Cell 3' Chip Kit v4, 4 chips 3 1 1000215 Dual Index Kit TT Set A, 96 rxn 4 1 1000283 Chromium Next GEM Single Cell Multiome ATAC + Gene Expression Reagent Bundle, 16 rxns 5 1 1000212 Single Index Kit N Set A 6 1 1000234 Chromium Next GEM Chip J Single Cell Kit, 48 rxns 7 1 1000215 Dual Index Kit TT Set A, 96 rxn 8 1 1000333 Chromium X - 12 month Assurance Plan 9 1 1000331 Chromium X & Accessory Kit, 12 Month Warranty Period of performance: September 26, 2025 September 25, 2026 Shipping/Delivery Instructions: These items will be delivered to the following location within 90 days after receipt of order: Point of Contact: Jenna Sherry (310) 425-6628 Building 33, 3E13C.5 Bethesda MD. 20892 INSTRUCTIONS All interested vendors shall provide a quote for the requirement as outlined in this solicitation. All quotes shall include: Price(s) (unit price, extended price, total price) Shipping fees Manufacturing country of origin of the products, including components Documentation demonstrating vendor is either the manufacturer or authorized distributor/reseller of the product(s) Estimated date of delivery Point of contact: name, phone number & email Unique Entity ID (UEI) and cage code from active SAM.gov registration Business size under NAICS 334516 Payment terms Each response must clearly indicate the capability of the vendor to meet all specifications and requirements. The Government will evaluate only those quotes that fully meet the requirements as outlined above and respond to the solicitation instructions and requirements. Failure to furnish a full and complete quote as instructed will result in the Quoter s response being considered non-responsive and will therefore be eliminated from further consideration and award. If providing an equal product(s)/services(s), please supply descriptive data for evaluation purposes to determine the validity of how it is an EQUAL. The following FAR provision applies to this a solicitation FAR 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999): (a) If an item in this solicitation is identified as "brand name or equal," the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government s needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that "equal" products must meet are specified in the solicitation. (b) To be considered for award, offers of "equal" products, including "equal" products of the brand name manufacturer, must- (1) Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristic specified in this solicitation; (2) Clearly identify the item by- (i) Brand name, if any; and (ii) Make or model number; (3) Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer; and (4) Clearly describe any modifications the offeror plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modifications. (c) The Contracting Officer will evaluate "equal" products on the basis of information furnished by the offeror or identified in the offer and reasonably available to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer. (d) Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an "equal" product, the offeror shall provide the brand name product referenced in the solicitation. (End of provision) The response to the combined synopsis/solicitation is due no later than September 19, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Offers submitted after the deadline may not be considered. The response should be submitted in a searchable electronic format to the Contract Specialist, Shaun Rostad at Shaun.Rostad@nih.gov. Electronic submittals must include the combined synopsis/solicitation NIAID-SS-25-2265393 and the Title in the Subject Line. Evaluation: NIAID will evaluate all quotes to determine the best value to the government. NIAID will make a Best Value Determination based on the capability of each offeror s quote to provide all requested products/services, meet the brand name or equal salient characteristics, providing the proposed products/service in a timely manner, warranty, past performance, and reasonable price. The Government s objective is to obtain the highest quality considered necessary to achieve the project objectives, with a realistic and reasonable cost. Non-price factors, when combined, are considered more important than price. In the event quotes are evaluated as equal in non-price factors, price or cost will become a major consideration in selecting the successful Offeror. SPECIAL NOTICE TO QUOTERS Quoters are advised that the Government may share your information with non-government personnel who are assisting with the evaluation of quotes. The exclusive responsibility for source selection will reside with the Government. By submitting your quote, you will be consenting to disclosure of your quote to non-government personnel for purposes of evaluation. Discussions The Government reserves the right to award without discussions if the Contracting Officer determines that the initial prices are fair and reasonable and that discussions are not necessary. ELECTRONIC INVOICING The successful vendor may submit an invoice once a shipment is delivered. NIAID will only accept invoices for completed services and units that have been delivered to NIAID. NIH is using a phased transition approach from the NIH Office of Financial Management (OFM) Electronic Invoice Submission instructions to the Department of Treasury s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). For contractors that have transitioned to IPP, the Contractor must submit invoices to the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at https://www.ipp.gov. For contractors that have not transitioned to IPP, the Contractor shall submit invoices to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/Office of Financial Management (OFM) via email at invoicing@nih.gov with a copy to the approving official until the Contractor has been notified of its transition to IPP. PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/ FAR 52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements Representations (Jan 2017) FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Oct 2018) FAR 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (Aug 2020) FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021) FAR 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation. (Oct 2020) FAR 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) FAR 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999) FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Sep 2023) FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certification Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024) The following HHSAR provision is applicable and provided in full text below: HHSAR 352.239-78 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE (FEB 2024) (DEVIATION) (a) Any offeror responding to this solicitation must comply with established HHS Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility standards. Information about Section 508 is available at https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/index.html. (b) The Section 508 accessibility standards applicable to this solicitation are stated in the clause at 352.239-79 Information and Communication Technology Accessibility. In order to facilitate the Government s determination whether proposed ICT supplies, products, platforms, information, and documentation meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must submit an appropriate HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist (see https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/accessibility-checklists/index.html) or an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) (based on the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) see https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat), in accordance with the completion instructions. The purpose of the checklists and conformance reports are to assist HHS acquisition and program officials in determining whether proposed ICT supplies, products, platforms, information, and documentation conform to applicable Section 508 accessibility standards. Checklists and ACRs evaluate in detail whether the ICT conforms to specific Section 508 accessibility standards and identifies remediation efforts needed to address conformance issues. (c) If an offeror claims its supplies or services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, and it is later determined by the Government, i.e., after award of a contract or order, that supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support delivered do not conform to the described accessibility standards, remediation of the supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its expense. (d) In order to facilitate the Government's determination whether proposed ICT supplies meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must submit an Accessibility Conformance Report, in accordance with its completion instructions and tailored to the requirements in the solicitation. The purpose of the Report is to assist HHS acquisition and program officials in determining whether proposed ICT supplies conform to applicable Section 508 accessibility standards. The template allows offerors or developers to self-evaluate their supplies and document, in detail, whether they conform to a specific Section 508 accessibility standard, and any underway remediation efforts addressing conformance issues. Instructions for preparing the HHS Section 508 Evaluation Template are available at https://Section508.gov/. (e) In order to facilitate the Government's determination whether proposed ICT services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must provide enough information to assist the Government in determining that the ICT services conform to Section 508 accessibility standards, including any underway remediation efforts addressing conformance issues. (f) Respondents to this solicitation must identify any inability to conform to Section 508 requirements. If an offeror claims its supplies or services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, and it is later determined by the Government, i.e., after award of a contract or order, that supplies or services delivered do not conform to the described accessibility standards, remediation of the supplies or services to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its expense. (g) Items delivered as electronic content must be accessible to HHS acceptance criteria. Checklist for various formats are available at http://508.hhs.gov/. Materials, other than items incidental to contract management, that are final items for delivery should be accompanied by the appropriate checklist, except upon approval of the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer s Representative. (End of provision) FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquistion.gov/ FAR 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018) FAR 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Aug 2020) FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2023) By reference the Department of Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) provisions and clauses that are applicable to this requirement. Copies are available from http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar/: Clauses HHSAR 352.222-70 Contractor Cooperation in Equal Employment Opportunity Investigations (December 18, 2015) By full text the Department of Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR): HHSAR 352.232-71 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (February 2, 2022) HHSAR 352.239-79 Information and Communication Technology Accessibility (Feb 2024) (DEVIATION) The following additional clauses are applicable to this requirement and provided in full text as Attachments: FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Status or Executive Orders Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024) Attachments: Attachment 1 Bill of Materials Attachment 2 - 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items Attachment 3 Invoice Instructions

COMBINED SYNOPSIS / SOLICITATION-COMPETITIVE Title: Single cell RNA Sequencing System This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6 Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items , as applicable, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is NIAID-SS-25-2265393 and the solicitation is issued as request for quotation (RFQ). This acquisition is for a commercial item or service and is conducted under the authority of the FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures; and FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items and is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-05, dated 08-07-2025. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code for this procurement is 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, and the small business size standard 1,000 employees or less. This requirement is not set-aside for small business. The Government anticipates making a single award Firm Fixed Price (FFP) purchase order. By submission of a quote, the Offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered and viewable in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to award, during performance, and through final payment resulting from this solicitation (www.sam.gov). Statement of Need The proposed purchase is for Brand Name or Equal products/services. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) requires the Single cell RNA Sequencing System equipment for the H5N1 Countermeasures Research Project, to identify novel molecular structures with antiviral properties that can be utilized to help combat the ongoing avian influenza pandemic in poultry and wild birds (and prevent future spread to humans). See Attachment 1 Bill of Materials, for additional details. Line Items: Through this procurement NIDA anticipates a single award, firm fixed price purchase order for the Single cell RNA Sequencing System and component parts as described in Attachment 1 Bill of Materials. It is anticipated that the period of performance shall consist of a 12-month Base Period, which will begin upon receipt of the items. Below is a table that contains the line item number and description of the requirement for the anticipated award of the Base Period. The proposed purchase is for a Brand Name or Equal product. The brand name and model number and the part number of the product(s) are provided in Attachment 1 Bill of Materials (BOM) and in the table below. Specifically, NIAID, is seeking one (1) Brand Name or Equal 10X Genomics Chromium X System. Item # QTY Product Code Description 1 3 1000691 GEM-X Universal 3' Gene Expression v4, 16 samples 2 3 1000690 Chromium GEM-X Single Cell 3' Chip Kit v4, 4 chips 3 1 1000215 Dual Index Kit TT Set A, 96 rxn 4 1 1000283 Chromium Next GEM Single Cell Multiome ATAC + Gene Expression Reagent Bundle, 16 rxns 5 1 1000212 Single Index Kit N Set A 6 1 1000234 Chromium Next GEM Chip J Single Cell Kit, 48 rxns 7 1 1000215 Dual Index Kit TT Set A, 96 rxn 8 1 1000333 Chromium X - 12 month Assurance Plan 9 1 1000331 Chromium X & Accessory Kit, 12 Month Warranty Period of performance: September 26, 2025 September 25, 2026 Shipping/Delivery Instructions: These items will be delivered to the following location within 90 days after receipt of order: Point of Contact: Jenna Sherry (310) 425-6628 Building 33, 3E13C.5 Bethesda MD. 20892 INSTRUCTIONS All interested vendors shall provide a quote for the requirement as outlined in this solicitation. All quotes shall include: Price(s) (unit price, extended price, total price) Shipping fees Manufacturing country of origin of the products, including components Documentation demonstrating vendor is either the manufacturer or authorized distributor/reseller of the product(s) Estimated date of delivery Point of contact: name, phone number & email Unique Entity ID (UEI) and cage code from active SAM.gov registration Business size under NAICS 334516 Payment terms Each response must clearly indicate the capability of the vendor to meet all specifications and requirements. The Government will evaluate only those quotes that fully meet the requirements as outlined above and respond to the solicitation instructions and requirements. Failure to furnish a full and complete quote as instructed will result in the Quoter s response being considered non-responsive and will therefore be eliminated from further consideration and award. If providing an equal product(s)/services(s), please supply descriptive data for evaluation purposes to determine the validity of how it is an EQUAL. The following FAR provision applies to this a solicitation FAR 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999): (a) If an item in this solicitation is identified as "brand name or equal," the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government s needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that "equal" products must meet are specified in the solicitation. (b) To be considered for award, offers of "equal" products, including "equal" products of the brand name manufacturer, must- (1) Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristic specified in this solicitation; (2) Clearly identify the item by- (i) Brand name, if any; and (ii) Make or model number; (3) Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer; and (4) Clearly describe any modifications the offeror plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modifications. (c) The Contracting Officer will evaluate "equal" products on the basis of information furnished by the offeror or identified in the offer and reasonably available to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer. (d) Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an "equal" product, the offeror shall provide the brand name product referenced in the solicitation. (End of provision) The response to the combined synopsis/solicitation is due no later than September 19, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Offers submitted after the deadline may not be considered. The response should be submitted in a searchable electronic format to the Contract Specialist, Shaun Rostad at Shaun.Rostad@nih.gov. Electronic submittals must include the combined synopsis/solicitation NIAID-SS-25-2265393 and the Title in the Subject Line. Evaluation: NIAID will evaluate all quotes to determine the best value to the government. NIAID will make a Best Value Determination based on the capability of each offeror s quote to provide all requested products/services, meet the brand name or equal salient characteristics, providing the proposed products/service in a timely manner, warranty, past performance, and reasonable price. The Government s objective is to obtain the highest quality considered necessary to achieve the project objectives, with a realistic and reasonable cost. Non-price factors, when combined, are considered more important than price. In the event quotes are evaluated as equal in non-price factors, price or cost will become a major consideration in selecting the successful Offeror. SPECIAL NOTICE TO QUOTERS Quoters are advised that the Government may share your information with non-government personnel who are assisting with the evaluation of quotes. The exclusive responsibility for source selection will reside with the Government. By submitting your quote, you will be consenting to disclosure of your quote to non-government personnel for purposes of evaluation. Discussions The Government reserves the right to award without discussions if the Contracting Officer determines that the initial prices are fair and reasonable and that discussions are not necessary. ELECTRONIC INVOICING The successful vendor may submit an invoice once a shipment is delivered. NIAID will only accept invoices for completed services and units that have been delivered to NIAID. NIH is using a phased transition approach from the NIH Office of Financial Management (OFM) Electronic Invoice Submission instructions to the Department of Treasury s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). For contractors that have transitioned to IPP, the Contractor must submit invoices to the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at https://www.ipp.gov. For contractors that have not transitioned to IPP, the Contractor shall submit invoices to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/Office of Financial Management (OFM) via email at invoicing@nih.gov with a copy to the approving official until the Contractor has been notified of its transition to IPP. PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/ FAR 52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements Representations (Jan 2017) FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Oct 2018) FAR 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (Aug 2020) FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021) FAR 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation. (Oct 2020) FAR 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) FAR 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999) FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Sep 2023) FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certification Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024) The following HHSAR provision is applicable and provided in full text below: HHSAR 352.239-78 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE (FEB 2024) (DEVIATION) (a) Any offeror responding to this solicitation must comply with established HHS Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility standards. Information about Section 508 is available at https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/index.html. (b) The Section 508 accessibility standards applicable to this solicitation are stated in the clause at 352.239-79 Information and Communication Technology Accessibility. In order to facilitate the Government s determination whether proposed ICT supplies, products, platforms, information, and documentation meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must submit an appropriate HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist (see https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/accessibility-checklists/index.html) or an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) (based on the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) see https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat), in accordance with the completion instructions. The purpose of the checklists and conformance reports are to assist HHS acquisition and program officials in determining whether proposed ICT supplies, products, platforms, information, and documentation conform to applicable Section 508 accessibility standards. Checklists and ACRs evaluate in detail whether the ICT conforms to specific Section 508 accessibility standards and identifies remediation efforts needed to address conformance issues. (c) If an offeror claims its supplies or services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, and it is later determined by the Government, i.e., after award of a contract or order, that supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support delivered do not conform to the described accessibility standards, remediation of the supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its expense. (d) In order to facilitate the Government's determination whether proposed ICT supplies meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must submit an Accessibility Conformance Report, in accordance with its completion instructions and tailored to the requirements in the solicitation. The purpose of the Report is to assist HHS acquisition and program officials in determining whether proposed ICT supplies conform to applicable Section 508 accessibility standards. The template allows offerors or developers to self-evaluate their supplies and document, in detail, whether they conform to a specific Section 508 accessibility standard, and any underway remediation efforts addressing conformance issues. Instructions for preparing the HHS Section 508 Evaluation Template are available at https://Section508.gov/. (e) In order to facilitate the Government's determination whether proposed ICT services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must provide enough information to assist the Government in determining that the ICT services conform to Section 508 accessibility standards, including any underway remediation efforts addressing conformance issues. (f) Respondents to this solicitation must identify any inability to conform to Section 508 requirements. If an offeror claims its supplies or services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, and it is later determined by the Government, i.e., after award of a contract or order, that supplies or services delivered do not conform to the described accessibility standards, remediation of the supplies or services to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its expense. (g) Items delivered as electronic content must be accessible to HHS acceptance criteria. Checklist for various formats are available at http://508.hhs.gov/. Materials, other than items incidental to contract management, that are final items for delivery should be accompanied by the appropriate checklist, except upon approval of the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer s Representative. (End of provision) FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquistion.gov/ FAR 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018) FAR 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Aug 2020) FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2023) By reference the Department of Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) provisions and clauses that are applicable to this requirement. Copies are available from http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar/: Clauses HHSAR 352.222-70 Contractor Cooperation in Equal Employment Opportunity Investigations (December 18, 2015) By full text the Department of Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR): HHSAR 352.232-71 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (February 2, 2022) HHSAR 352.239-79 Information and Communication Technology Accessibility (Feb 2024) (DEVIATION) The following additional clauses are applicable to this requirement and provided in full text as Attachments: FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Status or Executive Orders Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024) Attachments: Attachment 1 Bill of Materials Attachment 2 - 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items Attachment 3 Invoice Instructions