Notice of Intent - Sole Source

Background
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for the procurement of an Annual BaseSpace Correlation Engine-Large Academic License. This requirement is driven by the need for OCSPP scientists to regain access to Illumina’s BaseSpace Correlation Engine, a web-based discovery platform essential for genomics research.

The previous contract was awarded to Illumina, Inc. on February 27, 2025, but option periods were not exercised due to funding issues, resulting in a loss of access to critical genomic data necessary for ongoing studies across the Agency's programs.

Work Details
The contract involves the procurement of BaseSpace Correlation Engine-Large Academic Licenses from Illumina, Inc. The software is unique and provides essential features for EPA researchers:
1. Ability to mine vast quantities of complex biological, clinical, and literature data.
2. Access to genomic information for biomedical insights.
3. Capability to compare EPA data against extensive datasets to understand the biological impact of chemical exposure.
4. Inclusion of an EPA archive of transcript profile information related to ongoing studies that have not been fully analyzed.

Period of Performance
The previous contract had a performance period of three years with a twelve-month base period and two twelve-month option periods.

Place of Performance
The services will be performed at locations relevant to the EPA's operations and research activities.

Bidder Requirements
Illumina, Inc. is the sole source for the BaseSpace Correlation Engine-Large Academic Lab License as they do not have authorized resellers or third-party vendors. The agency emphasizes that switching databases is not feasible due to ongoing studies that would require significant time and resources to replicate.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent based on prior contract history for the same type of software license. A prior award (68HE0B22P0118) was made to Illumina for a BaseSpace Correlation Engine-Large Academic Lab License with two option periods (valued at $75,000), and the current notice similarly seeks an Annual BaseSpace Correlation Engine-Large Academic License to restore/maintain access for EPA OCSPP scientists. The described need and deliverable are consistent with a continuation of the same licensing arrangement rather than a materially different requirement.