INTENT TO AWARD TO A SINGLE SOURCE - Illumina, Inc

*The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Acquisition & Grants Office (AGO), Management and Budget Acquisition Office (OMB), intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 12.102(a) and 41 USC 190, with Illumina. The requirement is for the purchase of reagents and supplies for the Illumina MiSeq i100 and i100 Plus Next-Generation Sequencing Systems, and training for laboratory personnel. ***The sole source determination is based on NOAA’s requirement for reagents, supplies, and training compatible with the Illumina MiSeq i100 and i100 Plus systems, which are critical for the Genetics and Evolution (GE) Program’s Molecular Genetics group. Stated Vendor is the only entity able to execute the desired services, as Illumina is the sole manufacturer of the i100/i100 Plus sequencers and all of their components and reagents, and the only provider of the required training. NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) utilizes a wide variety of Illumina tools and integrated systems for large-scale analysis of genetic material. These supplies are required to fulfill mission-critical research for molecular genetics, forensics, and other related research. This science supports the conservation and management of marine and anadromous species, from deep-sea corals to salmon and whales, providing essential information for managing sustainable fisheries and conserving protected species. Additionally, training for laboratory personnel in the use and maintenance of the Illumina i100 and i100 Plus sequencers is required, as these are newly developed instruments and training must be provided by the original manufacturer. ***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Such documentation 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 conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.