Cell sorting is one of the major techniques used for studying immune responses to infection. We are setting up a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) facility, in which we will study cells and mice infected with bacteria and viruses that require this level of biosafety containment. As part of the grant-funded experiments that will be performed, we will need to use a cell sorter to identify which cell types are infected and to determine what are there characteristics, in terms of their cell-surface expression. This will tell us how they respond to infection. The need for biosafety containment for these live-infected cells and experiments must be done within the BSL3, and thus we need to purchase this equipment; the MACSQuant® Tyto® is a bench top 10 parameter fluorescence based cell sorter with a closed cartridge system.

The university, on information and belief, has concluded that only one vendor can meet its need or can meet the need economically. That vendor is Miltenyi Biotec. The university has provided detailed justification to support its conclusion as shown on the attached Sole Source Justification Form.

Although the university has presented this as a sole source procurement, we are seeking competitive information from firms with the capability of meeting the university's need (even if performed in a manner different from what has been presented) to contact us and provide sufficient information to show the need can be met. If we receive that information, the Chief Procurement Officer will offer a public hearing to consider the matter. Hearing information is described below.

The University has determined that this purchase is only economically available from this source because the items are required for research and no other source is able to meet the researcher's documented needs.