Blood Analysis (W7719-135230/A)

Trade Agreement: NAFTA/AIT/Canada-Peru FTA/Canada-Colombia FTA
Tendering Procedures: Generally only one firm has been invited
to bid
Attachment: None
Non-Competitive Procurement Strategy: Exclusive Rights
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Vendor Name and Address: 
University Health Network
101 College Street
TMDT 9-301
Toronto Ontario
Canada
M5G1L7
Nature of Requirements: 


Title: Blood Analysis Services

1.	ACAN Explanation

An Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) allows departments and
agencies to post a notice, for no less than fifteen (15)
calendar days, indicating to the supplier community that it
intends to award a good, service or construction contract to a
pre-identified contractor. If no other supplier submits, on or
before the closing date, a Statement of Capabilities that meets
the requirements set out in the ACAN, the contracting authority
may then proceed with the award.
 
2.	Definition of Requirement

Department of National Defence, Defence R & D Canada (DRDC),
Toronto, Ontario has a requirement for whole-genome analysis of
peripheral blood leukocytes using Agilent Two-Colour microarray
analysis.  The results of the microarray analysis will be
analyzed on a number of these samples using NanoString
Technology.  The results of microarray and NanoString analyses
will also include detailed bio-statistical analysis with the
provision of providing extended continual analysis if required
by DRDC.  

3.	Criteria for Assessment of the Statement of Capabilities

3.1	Minimum Essential Requirements:

Any interested supplier must demonstrate by way of a statement
of capabilities that its product meets the following
requirements: 

-	 must be Agilent certified service providers of Agilent
Two-Colour microarray analysis 		and possess the in-house
ability to perform NanoString analysis on a number of selective
		samples provided by the client.

-	must use the Human Universal Reference rna for cy3 labeling.

-	 56 samples will be provided of rna from peripheral blood
leukocytes in 80 uL of frozen 		(-80 C) elution buffer purified
using the PaxGene blood RNA kit (PreAnalytiX).


4.	Applicability of Trade Agreements

This procurement is subject to the following trade agreements: 
Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT)
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)


5.	Justification for the Pre-Identified Supplier

The delivered data will be compared with previous data generated
by Agilent Two-colour microarray analysis that formed the
working hypothesis for the present study.  As a result, the
delivered data will substantially add to the present level of
knowledge. A detailed statistical analysis must be delivered of
transcription activity in purified rna from peripheral blood
leukocytes in human subjects who had undergone decompression
stress over a 24 hour period.   A number of the rna samples will
be analyzed for individual gene transcription activity during
decompression stress using NanoString technology.  It is very
important that the NanoString analysis be carried out by the
same supplier to minimize the risks of misplacing samples,
accidental thawing, compromising confidential medical
information and proprietary data belonging to the Crown.

It is proposed to negotiate this requirement with University
Health Network, Microarray Centre, Toronto, ON,  who provided
the previous data used to form the working hypothesis of the
study at DRDC, and who possesses the skills and expertise to
carry out Micro Array and NanoString analyses on its premises.  

6.	Government Contracts Regulations Exception

The following exception to the Government Contracts Regulations
is invoked for this procurement under subsection 6(d) - "Only
one person or firm is capable of performing the contract"; for
patent or copyright requirements, or technical compatibility
factors and technological expertise."  

7.	Exclusions and/or Limited Tendering Reasons

The following exclusion(s) and/or limited tendering reasons are
excluded under the section of the trade agreement(s) specified:

Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) - Article 506.12 (b) "where
there is an absence of competition for technical reasons and the
goods or services can be supplied only by a particular supplier
and no alternative or substitute exists."

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) - Article 1016.2
(b), "where, for works of art, or for reasons connected with the
protection of patents, copyrights or other exclusive rights, or
proprietary information or where there is an absence of
competition for technical reasons, the goods or services can be
supplied only by a particular supplier and no reasonable
alternative or substitute exists."

8.	The Delivery Date

Delivery is required on or before March 28, 2013. 


9.	Name and Address of the Pre-Identified Supplier

Name:       University Health Network, Microarray Centre,
Toronto, ON.


10.	Suppliers' right to submit a statement of capabilities

Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available
to provide the goods and services described in the ACAN, may
submit a statement of capabilities in writing to the contact
person identified in this notice on or before the closing date
of this notice. The statement of capabilities must clearly
demonstrate how the supplier meets the advertised requirements. 

11.	The closing date for a submission of a statement of
capabilities:

The closing date and time for accepting statement of
capabilities is February 27, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. EST.

12.	Inquiries and submission of statement of capabilities

Inquiries and statement of capabilities are to be directed to:
Shelly Van Allen
Supply Specialist
33 City Centre Drive - Suite 480C, Mississauga, Ontario L5B2N5
Telephone: 905-615-2077
Facsimile: 905-615-2060
E-mail: shelly.vanallen@pwgsc.gc.ca

Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

You are hereby notified that the government intends to negotiate
with one firm only as identified above. Should you have any
questions concerning this requirement, contact the contracting
officer identified above.

An Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) allows departments and
agencies to post a notice, for no less than fifteen (15)
calendar days, indicating to the supplier community that it
intends to award a good, service or construction contract to a
pre-identified contractor. If no other supplier submits, on or
before the closing date, a Statement of Capabilities that meets
the requirements set out in the ACAN, the contracting authority
may then proceed with the award.  However, should a Statement of
Capabilities be found to meet the requirements set out in the
ACAN, then the contracting authority will proceed to a full
tendering process.

Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available
to provide the services/goods described herein, may submit a
statement of capabilities in writing to the contact person
identified in this Notice on or before the closing date of this
Notice. The statement of capabilities must clearly demonstrate
how the supplier meets the advertised requirements.

The PWGSC file number, the contracting officer's name and the
closing date of the ACAN must appear on the outside of the
envelope in block letters or, in the case of a facsimile
transmission, on the covering page.

The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any
procurement.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.