Regional Procurement Office (RPO) - East intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with ProteinSimple to purchase the Namocell Pala Single Cell Dispenser for the VA New Jersey Health Care System (VANJHCS - East Orange). This equipment, in conjunction with the 10X Genomics Chromium Connect, is required for VA-funded study of genetic molecular-based hypotheses testing to assess candidate molecular mechanisms and pursue targets in traumatic brain injury, neuroinflammatory, and neurodegenerative disorders. STATEMENT OF NEED Background and Scope VANJHCS has conducted preclinical research in traumatic brain injury, neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. One outcome of VANJHCS preclinical efforts is that a Phase I trial is scheduled to evaluate a VANJHCS candidate molecule, JM4, for neuroinflammation, pending FDA-IND clearance. A single cell sorter is required for genetic molecular-based hypotheses testing to assess candidate molecular mechanisms and pursue targets. A single-cell sorter is needed to test hypotheses on a genomic level and to characterize current and developing potential therapeutic strategies in CRISPR-edited cells. A single-cell sorter would enable VANJHCS to assess current and prospective candidate targets on a genomic and mechanistic level, especially in RNAseq transcriptomics. The combined system required comprises of a single-cell analysis system that requires a Namocell Pala Single Cell Dispenser and the 10X Genomics Chromium Connect, which was recently acquired under Contract 36C24E24P0012. The Namocell Pala Single Cell Dispenser, named and included in the original grant application, will provide dissociated cells that are then input into the 10X Genomics Chromium Connect. The RNA-sequencing will identify thousands of different cells and be able to report gene expression levels for every gene in every cell. This solves a problem examining expression levels in tissue samples that complicate analyses because different cell types are present. Namocell, under ProteinSimple, is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the Namocell Pala Single Cell Dispenser. Product Specifications The Single Cell Dispenser shall: Dispense single cells into 96-well plate in 1 min or 384-well plate in 6 minutes Low sorting pressure (<2 psi) to preserve cell viability and integrity Sort and dispense cells based on fluorescence and light scatter Dedicated computer and software for the acquisition and analysis Compact design to fit in a biomedical safety cabinet Compatible with cell lines, primary cells, nuclei, bacteria, and yeast Startup sample preparation and consumable cartridge Purchase shall include delivery, setup, training, and service contract This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Any responsible sources who wish to identify their interest and capability to provide this equipment or equipment that is compatible must notify this Contracting Officer at Millicent.Covert@va.gov NLT Friday, December 15, 2023, by 11:59 AM EST. Telephone responses will not be accepted. Upon receipt of the interested parties notification, the Contracting Officer will determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement or proceed with sole source negotiations.

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