Notice to Intent Sole Source - PromethION 2 Integrated
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, Clinical Center (NIH-CC) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to award a sole source contract to Government Scientific Source for the Oxford Nanopore PromethION 2 Integrated instrument and reagents. This procurement aims to acquire advanced long-read genomic DNA sequencing capabilities for patient sample testing. Capability statements from other responsible sources are due by February 21, 2026.
Scope of Requirement
The PromethION 2 Integrated instrument and assay are essential for performing long-read genomic DNA sequencing on patient samples. This technology enables the detection of DNA mutations, structural abnormalities (e.g., deletions, insertions, inversions), and DNA methylation that are often missed by conventional DNA sequencing techniques. This capability is critical for ongoing clinical research and patient care at NIH-CC in Bethesda, MD.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent (Sole Source)
- Proposed Vendor: Government Scientific Source (third-party distributor for Oxford Nanopore)
- Estimated Value: $80,959.36 (one-time purchase)
- Authority: 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1 (only one responsible source)
- Product Service Code: 6505 (Drugs And Biologicals)
- Capability Statement Due: February 21, 2026, 12:00 PM EST
- Published: February 11, 2026
Sole Source Justification
NIH-CC intends to negotiate with Government Scientific Source because Oxford Nanopore is the sole manufacturer of the PromethION 2 Integrated technology, which offers unique capabilities for detecting specific DNA abnormalities. Government Scientific Source is the exclusive third-party distributor. Market research confirmed Oxford Nanopore as the only vendor for this specific type of long-read sequencing. Pursuing full and open competition is deemed to cause unacceptable delays, impacting clinical research and patient care.
Action for Industry
This is not a Request for Proposal. However, any responsible source believing they can provide the required Oxford Nanopore PromethION 2 Integrated instrument and reagents may submit a capability statement. Statements should reference NOI-CC-256-002719 in the subject line and be emailed to valerie.gregorio@nih.gov by the due date. The Government will consider all responses, but a determination not to compete remains at its discretion.