Presolicitation Notice - Illumina NextSeq 2000 Sequencing System

The Defense Health Agency is seeking a single source acquisition of an Illumina NextSeq 2000 Sequencing System to replace an aging NextSeq 550 platform used for forensic DNA analysis supporting the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. The required instrument must meet detailed performance, data quality, and physical specifications, and be compatible with existing validated assays. The solicitation is a presolicitation notice; interested parties are invited to submit capability statements (technical data and cost) by the deadline. • One (1) Illumina NextSeq 2000 Sequencing System required, with up to 120 Gb per run and 400 million reads. • Must be backward‑compatible with current forensic NGS assays, support multiple read lengths, and include integrated reagent cartridge and touchscreen interface. • Physical limits: ≤55 cm W × 65 cm D × 60 cm H, weight ≤141 kg; internal computer ≥2U micro‑server, 288 GB RAM, 3.8 TB SSD. • Sole‑source negotiation with Illumina Inc.; capability statements due 18 August 2026, 12 PM EST.