Long-Read RNA Sequencing Kits for CARD iNDI Brain Sample Study
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Aging (NIA), Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (CARD), intends to award a firm-fixed-price purchase order on a sole source basis to Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Inc. for Long-Read RNA Sequencing Kits. These brand-name consumables are essential for the CARD’s induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Neurodegenerative Disease Initiative (iNDI) study. Responses from interested parties are due by June 23, 2026, 11:00 am EST.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for specific brand-name Oxford Nanopore long-read RNA sequencing consumables:
- Oxford Nanopore PromethION Flow Cells Packs DNA (Catalog No. FLO-PRO114M, Quantity 171)
- Oxford Nanopore cDNA-PCR Sequencing Kit V14 (Catalog No. SQK-PCS114, Quantity 114)
These items are needed for large-scale long-read RNA sequencing of 600 postmortem human brain samples. The goal is to characterize gene expression and isoform diversity in the aging and neurodegenerating brain, supporting research into Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and brain aging molecular biology.
Salient characteristics include:
- Flow Cells: Must generate consensus data at >99% modal accuracy and be compatible with Government-owned Oxford Nanopore PromethION 48 sequencers.
- cDNA-PCR Sequencing Kit: Must prepare cDNA for nanopore sequencing, require no more than 10 ng poly(A)+ RNA or 500 ng total RNA as starting material, and provide for 6 reactions.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source / Brand Name (Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order)
- Sole Source Justification: The Government currently operates Oxford Nanopore PromethION 48 sequencers, and the required consumables are proprietary and exclusively compatible with this existing platform.
- Statutory Authority: 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), FAR 6.302-1, and FAR 13.501(a).
- Response Due: June 23, 2026, 11:00 am EST
- Published: June 11, 2026
- Set-Aside: Not applicable (Sole Source)
Submission & Evaluation
This is not a formal solicitation. However, any responsible source believing they can provide the exact brand-name Oxford Nanopore products or meet the requirement without compromising compatibility with the PromethION 48 platform may submit a capability statement.
Required information for capability statements:
- Company name, SAM UEI, and business size status
- Point of contact information
- Evidence of ability to provide the exact brand-name items (including manufacturer authorization, if applicable)
- Technical documentation demonstrating compatibility with Government-owned Oxford Nanopore PromethION 48 sequencers
- Delivery capability and estimated lead time
Responses will be reviewed to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible or if the intended sole source award will proceed. Submissions must be sent electronically to Linda Smith at linda.smith2@nih.gov.
Additional Notes
- Classification Code: 6550 – In Vitro Diagnostic Substances, Reagents, Test Kits and Sets
- NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Place of Performance: National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD
- No solicitation package is available.