ANNUAL MAINTENANCE/SERVICE ON TWO CYTEK AURORA FLOW CYTOMETRY SYSTEMS

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This document justifies a brand-name acquisition at or below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold for service contract for Cytek Aurora Instruments. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) requires service for two Cytek Aurora Flow Cytometers to support research on the elucidation of cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating human immune response.

• Service contract for two Cytek Aurora Flow Cytometers.

• Priority repair response due to heavy use and critical nature of samples (human clinical study samples).

• Maintenance to ensure instruments are maintained in fully operational status.

• Estimated dollar value: $68,560

• Period of performance: 04/28/26 to 04/27/27

This document is a justification for sole-source procurement, not a solicitation for proposals. The justification cites 41 USC 3304(a)(1) and FAR Part 6.302-1 as the statutory authority.

This is a brand-name justification, indicating a sole-source procurement from Cytek Biosciences.

• The Cytek Aurora instruments are critical for research involving HIV and other infectious and non-infectious diseases, including numerous clinical trials.
• The instruments are located in a BSL-II/III lab, requiring specialized handling.
• Cytek Biosciences is the manufacturer and the only qualified source for factory-certified service, maintenance, and parts.
• Delay in service could compromise research integrity and the health of participants, as samples cannot be repeated.
• Changing vendors would void existing warranties.

Notice of Intent (NOI) / Sole Source Announcement

This is a Notice of Intent (NOI) to award a sole source, firm-fixed price purchase order for annual maintenance and service on two Cytek Aurora Flow Cytometry Systems. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) intends to negotiate this with Cytek Biosciences Inc. as the only responsible source.

The NIAID's Laboratory of Immunoregulations (LIR) uses these Cytek Aurora systems to support research efforts in understanding human immune responses in health and disease, specifically for high-dimensional immunophenotyping of lymphocytes in clinical research protocols related to HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and primary immunodeficiency. This procurement aims to co-term and continue service/maintenance for these existing systems.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed price

• Period of Performance: April 28, 2026 to April 27, 2027

• This is NOT a solicitation for competitive quotations.

• Interested vendors may submit a capability statement to demonstrate their interest and capability to satisfy the requirement.

• Capability statements should be emailed to linda.smith2@nih.gov by 11:00 am eastern standard time on Monday, March 16, 2026.

• The Government will consider all responses received by the closing date.

• A determination not to compete this requirement is solely at the Government's discretion.

• Set Aside: No

• The Government understands that Cytek Biosciences Inc. is the only vendor capable of providing the required maintenance services for the laser equipment.

• This notice is published in accordance with FAR 5.101(a)(1).

• It is not a request for quotes.

• The Government reserves the right to use information provided for any purpose deemed necessary.

• Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt or provide feedback.