66 -- BIOLOGICAL ARRAY SYNTHESIZER AND PROCESSOR SYSTEM

Notice Date

July 3, 2001

Contracting Office

NASA/Ames Research Center, JA:M/S 241-1, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

ZIP Code

94035-1000

Solicitation Number

RFQ2-38017-MXS

Response Due

July 19, 2001

Point of Contact

Marianne Shelley, Purchasing Agent, Phone (650) 604-4179, Fax (650) 604-4357, Email mshelley@mail.arc.nasa.gov -- Ronnee R. Gonzalez, Contracting Officer, Phone (650) 604-4386, Fax (650) 604-4357, Email rgonzalez@mail.arc.nasa.gov

E-Mail Address

Marianne Shelley (mshelley@mail.arc.nasa.gov)

Description

NASA/ARC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a biological array synthesizer and processor system to be used in the Center for Nanotechnology at NASA Ames Research Center. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/ARC intends to purchase the system from CombiMatrix Corporation, 6500 Harbour Heights Parkway, Suite 301, Mukilteo, WA 98275, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1 (b)(1) based on the fact that the CombiMatrix system has unique features that are requirements of the Center for Nanotechnology. CombiMatrix system technology produces customizable biological array processors, which are semiconductor-based arrays for use in identifying and determining the roles of genes, gene mutations and proteins. The CombiMatrix system consists of the following components: Blank Chips, Core Facility Synthesizer (5 modules), Hybridizer/Reader Unit, and Probe Design Software. The Blank Chips are active semiconductor devices coated with a three-dimensional layer of porous material in which DNA, RNA, peptides or small molecules can be synthesized or immobilized within discrete test sites by the Core Facility Synthesizer. The optical signals from the Hybridizer/Reader unit are stronger than those obtained from other conventional chip systems that contain a single molecular layer of test material on the chip surface. This is due to the presence of the three-dimensional layer of porous material on the surface of the CombiMatrix active semiconductor chip device. The unique feature of the Hybridizer/Reader unit is that it can read hybridization signals in real time over a wide range of temperatures during hybridization. CombiMatrix Core Facility Synthesizer can produce 5 custom-made chips with up to 10,000 features in approximately 3 hours. The capability to rapidly synthesize (in approximately 3 hours) any desired DNA, RNA, peptides, or small molecules on the surface of a semiconductor device (i.e. on a blank chip) is the unique feature of the CombiMatrix system that is not available from any other commercial system. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 1:30 p.m. local time on July 19, 2001. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B". Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html

Web Link

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Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010706/66SOL006.HTM (D-184 SN50Q887)