Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Molecular Dynamics Modeling of Variant-Specific Changes in SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Structure

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) in Atlanta, Georgia, intends to negotiate a sole source contract with Georgia Tech Research Corporation under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1, Other Than Full and Open Competition procedures, and 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1). The contract will fulfill a CDC/NCEH requirement for molecular dynamics modeling of the spike protein from variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The modeling will be used to support or refute mass spectral data obtained in CDC laboratory involving the structure of spike protein and its glycans and how the variants interact with antibodies and potential vaccines. The modeling must be performed on a supercomputer cluster with at least 1000 CPU-based nodes and/or 50 or more advanced Nvidia GPUs, either V100 or A100 in order to generate simulations greater than one microsecond each. Results must include root mean square fluctuations for specific variants with and without glycans. Modeling must be accomplished with CDC retention of data rights to mass spectral data acquired at CDC. Georgia Tech Research Corporation is the only vendor identified that is capable of providing the required services subject to all requirements.

This is a notice of intent and is not a request for competitive quotes or proposals. No solicitation is available. Firms that believe they can meet the requirement are encouraged to identify themselves and provide a substantive statement with descriptive literature and any other supporting information to the Contracting Officer within fourteen (15) days of publication of this notice. All information received within 15 days of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government to determine if additional firm(s) can meet the Government's requirements and is/are capable of providing the necessary services. Responses to this posting must be submitted in writing via e-mail only. A determination not to compete the described requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Federal Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement. Any questions or comments should be directed via e-mail ONLY to Samantha Bily at QNB7@cdc.gov. Thank you for your interest.