National Cancer Institute, Research Contracts Branch, PSAS, 6120 Executive Blvd, EPS/Room 638, Bethesda, MD 20892-7227

66 -- BIO-RAD THERMAL CYCLER WITH 96 WELL MODULE AND OPTICAL UPGRADE SOL NCI-RFQ-90236-NV DUE 092399 POC Debbie Moore, Purchasing Agent (301) 402-4509, Todd Cole, Contracting Officer (301) 402-4509 The National Cancer Institute (NCI) plans on procuring a BioRad Thermocycler with optical upgrade from Bio-Rad Laboratories, Life Science Group, 2000 Alfred Nobel Drive, Hercules, CA 94547. The thermocycler with optical upgrade is required to perform real time analytical PCR assays. The NCI laboratory requires an instrument that has the ability to quantitate amounts of a specific mRNA in cells with a dynamic range of six orders of magnitude or more. In addition, the instrument shall have greater accuracy and be easier to set up than quantitative end-point RT/PCR assays. The instrument shall enable the NCI researcher to develop assays to quantitate different alternatively spliced isoforms. In addition, the laboratory will use the instrument to study changes in gene expression and alternative splicing during cancer progression. The equipment must be able to validate changes in gene expression assessed using cDNA microarrays. In addition to the above performance characteristics, the instrument shall possess the following features: 1) Flexible and multiple choices in both excitation and emission wavelengths to allow true multiplexing of reactions, including simultaneous quantitation of multiple mRNAs or multiple spliced isoforms (The flexibility is needed for increased accuracy and throughput); 2) Flexible excitation and emission wavelengths in order for the system to be adapted to future fluorophores that become available; 3) a 96 sample well format (minimum) in order to run numerous samples at one given time (this is for increased throughput and for inclusion of controls with the samples); 4) The use of hybridization probes for easier design and for use in distinguishing different isoforms; and 5) multiple channels. Bio-Rad Laboratories is the only source known to the NCI Researcher that offers an instrument that can meet the above minimum requirements. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotation. However, if any interested party believes it can meet the above requirements, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The capability statement and any other furnished information must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NCI to determine if the party can fully meet the requirements. Capability statements must be received in the contracting office by 2:00 p.m., EST on September 23, 1999. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Moore, Purchasing Agent on (301)402-4509. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received shall be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No collect calls will be accepted. Posted 09/07/99 (W-SN376851). (0250)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0309 19990909\66-0005.SOL)