eDNA Autosampler Equipment

ERDC-CERL requires laboratory equipment to complete the set-up of a molecular laboratory for genetic testing and analyses. Required items includes Two (2) eDNA Autosamplers and 400 custom eDNA Self-Preserving filter packs. The required equipment must be designed specifically for freshwater systems, be portable with a battery-powered vacuum pump (lasting up to 30 days), be weather resistant, have capability to automatically collect and filter up to 8 samples at a time, without requiring extensive training or maintenance activites to operate. Further, the system shall utilize self-preserving eDNA filters that are encased in protective housing designed to reduce handling contamination risk and comprised of self-desiccating materials that can automatically preserve eDNA without the need for special chemical preservatives or cold storage conditions.

ERDC-CERL intends to award a purchase order on a sole source basis to Smith-Root Inc in accordance with FAR 13.106-l(b) (1).

Market research indicates that Smith-Root Inc, is the only source for this requirement because equipment meeting the specific, scientific needs of the government is only available directly from one manufacturer, Smith-Root, Inc, making them the only source available for fulfilling the government's requirement. Smith Root's eDNA sampling equipment provides a novel portable system for automatically sampling, filtering, and preserving aquatic eDNA samples with capabilities and features that collectively differentiate them from any similar equipment on the marketplace for the following reasons:

1. The Smith-Root eDNA autosamplers and Smith-Root eDNA Citizen Scientist Samplers are the only portable eDNA sampling systems on the marketplace that includes an integrated, battery-powered vacuum pump.

2. The Smith-Root eDNA autosamplers and eDNA Citizen Scientist Samplers are the only systems designed to employ novel self-preserving eDNA filters. These filters are manufactured and supplied only by Smith-Root, Inc, and include novel eDNA filtration technology that separates them from other types of water filters:

a. Encased in protective housing protective housing to reduce contamination risk.

b. Comprised of self-desiccating materials that automatically preserve eDNA without chemical preservatives or cold storage.

c. Can be easily retrieved, placed into their original packaging, and shipped to eDNA labs for downstream analysis.

3. The Smith-Root eDNA autosamplers are the only portable eDNA sampling systems on the marketplace that can automatically collect and filter up to 8 water samples on a pre-defined schedule with little to no user interaction or maintenance required.

This is not a small business set-aside

This Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however interested parties may identify their interests and capability to respond to this requirement. Any interested party that believes they can fulfill this requirement should submit a capability statement, specific to the contents and detail of this posting, to be reviewed. All submissions will be considered, however there is no guarantee that submissions in response to this notice will be in any way alter the Government's acquisition strategy.

Please provide responses to this notice no later than the Response time listed above in this notice, to:

CERL-CT_QUOTES@usace.army.mil

Telephone responses will not be accepted.

Responses to this notice will not be considered as a response to any solicitation, a request to be added to a prospective offers list, or to receive a copy of any solicitation. A determination by the Government not to compete the contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.