Replacement Auto DNA Extraction System

FBO ANNOUNCEMENT: PRESOLICITATION NOTICE, NOTICE OF INTENT

ACTION CODE: SPECIAL NOTICE

SUBJECT: Sole source – Replacement Auto DNA Extraction System

SOLICITATION NUMBER: NB643060-26-00803

RESPONSE DATE: 8/29/26

DESCRIPTION:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Applied Genetics Group (AGG) in the Biomolecular Measurement Division of the Materials Measurement Lab conducts research to support the forensic human identification and clinical genetics communities. A key aspect of this research is the extraction of nucleic acids from biological materials deposited on substrates such as buccal swabs, blood storage cards, bullet casings, and clothing, among others. Automation systems are typically used in the forensic DNA and clinical environments to increase the reproducibility of DNA recovery from these items while also reducing likelihood of operator error. The requirement will provide an automated instrument to allow the AGG to perform research into the efficiency and purity of DNA recovery from various substrates. Salient characteristics are variable input volumes for recovery from fired bullet casings, number of samples processed per run, removal of inhibitory substances to downstream applications, and variable elution volume for optimum concentration of eluted DNA. Experiments are performed in the context of forensic and clinical DNA analysis; therefore, instruments that are commonly found in forensic DNA casework labs and clinical labs are most relevant to the intended audience of the research output. Currently NIST owns an instrument manufactured by QIAGEN, Inc. which goes by the brand name EZ1 which is being discontinued and will no longer be supported.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR Part 12.102(b) with Qiagen Inc. located in Germantown MD, for this maintenance.

Sole Source justification is based on the following:

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