GENERAL:
The Research Facilities Department at the University Health Network is issuing this ACAN and will administer the ACAN procedure set forth herein for the benefit of University Health Network (the “Hospital”).
The Hospital intends to award a contract to Illumina Inc. for the purchase of one (1) high-throughput DNA sequencer to acquire whole genome, whole exome, whole transcriptome and microRNA expression data essential to support ongoing high priority clinical trials and projects (the “Equipment”).
BACKGROUND DETAILS:
The Hospital intends to purchase one (1) Illumina NextSeq 550 Sequencer and a total of 5 years of warranty including parts and labour, from Illumina, Inc. 5200 Illumina Way, San Diego, CA 92122. The NextSeq 550 machine will be for research purposes only. Using this machine, the Hospital aims to perform biomarker exploration and determine underlying mechanisms of disease for arthritis. Specifically, biological samples (tissues or fluids) will be subjected to RNA and microRNA sequencing analysis using this machine. Other probative experiments will look into whole genome/exome expression. A key feature of this equipment is the minimal time required per experimental run. The intent is to avoid equipment-based bottlenecks for the user group.
REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:
The supplier must be able to provide the sequencing equipment with fully functional capabilities by May 27th, 2018 or sooner. The proposed Equipment must also meet all of the mandatory requirements below:
1. The Equipment must be CSA (or equivalent) approved. Full list of equivalent certifications can be found here: http://www.esasafe.com/electricalproducts/marks
- Must have capability to sequence whole-genomes, whole-exomes, whole-transcriptomes and microRNA.
- Must perform sequencing runs and analyses in a single run that takes ~29hrs.
- Must have a read length of 2 X 150bp.
- Must be able to generate 100-120Gb worth of data in ~29hrs.
- Must be able to produce at least 400 Million paired-end reads (800M total reads) per ~29 hour run.
- Must be able to achieve 30X coverage of a whole-human genome in a single run.
- Must be able to support the readout of human single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays with densities of as many as 850k SNPs.
- Must be able to scan array samples in ~5 minutes.
- Must utilize reagent cartridges for sequencing reagents, buffers etc. to minimize handling of potentially hazardous chemicals.
- Installation to be carried out by the manufacturer and shall occur within approximately four (4) weeks following confirmation of site readiness.
- The standard manufacturer’s warranty coverage for the equipment must be at least one (1) year or more as defined by manufacturer for the equipment. Coverage must include: includes software upgrades, parts, labour, and related shipping costs.
- The supplier must provide optional extended warranty coverage or service agreement totaling five (5) years with the standard manufacturer’s warranty. Coverage should include at a minimum unlimited service calls, repair parts, labour and travel expenses or be identical to the standard manufacturer’s warranty.
STATEMENT OF CAPABILITIES:
Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified to provide the Equipment described herein, may submit a statement of capabilities in writing to the contact identified in this notice on or before 12:00.00 PM (EST) April 27th, 2018
The statement of capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the requirements/qualifications and will be considered solely for the purpose of deciding whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement. Information provided will be used by the Hospital for technical evaluation purposes only and is not to be construed as a competitive solicitation.
WHAT IS AN ADVANCE CONTACT AWARD NOTICE:
An ACAN allows hospitals and purchasing organizations to post a notice indicating to the supplier community that it intends to award a contract to a pre-identified supplier. If no other supplier submits on or before the closing date, a statement of capabilities that meet the requirements set out in this ACAN, the competitive requirements of the contracting procedures have been met.
If other potential suppliers submit statements of capabilities prior to the deadline noted above, and meet the requirements set out in this ACAN, the University Health Network will take the necessary steps to conduct a competitive process for the acquisition of the Equipment set out herein.
CONTRACT PERIOD:
This will be a one-time purchase of one (1) automated, contact-free microplate plate dryer and media changer with related support.
The Hospital retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement.
All Questions must be submitted before 12:00:00 PM (EST) April 20th, 2017:
Contact and Submission Details:
Name: Kamal Garcha
Title: Project Manager
Address: 700 University Ave. 10th floor, 1056
Toronto ON M5G 1Z5
Phone #: 416 886 5290
E-mail address: kgarcha@uhnresearch.ca
