JOFOC.pdf

6. FedBizOps Announcement/Potential Sources: FedBizOps Announcement was posted for 15 days (solicitation # 001-5542-070-00334), there were no responses to this announcement which substantiates the uniqueness of this requirement.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Costs: The development of the SNP database depends on cooperation and submission of sunflower lines by many public and private sunflower researchers. It is critical that the USDA-ARS participate in this enterprise by contributing sunflower lines to be included in the SNP database development. Without USDA-ARS participation, the Sunflower Research Unit will not have access to the SNP database. Membership and SNP unit pricing will be a published price list and is therefore determined Fair and Reasonable in accordance with FAR 15.404-1 (b)(2) (iv).

8. Market Survey: FedBizOps Announcement was posted for 15 days (solicitation # 001- 5542-070-00334), there were no responses to this announcement which substantiates the uniqueness of this requirement. The Research Scientist has continually surveyed the market through his career and has determined that no other SNP database is available to public sunflower researchers.

9. Additional Support: The National Sunflower Association (Contractor) will contribute at least $30,000, perhaps more, to the effort to genotype the USDA lines. The NSA will explore additional support from the NPA for the project.

10. Other Interested Sources: FedBizOps Announcement was posted for 15 days (solicitation # 001-5542-070-00334), there were no responses to this announcement which substantiates the uniqueness of this requirement. The Research Scientist has continually surveyed the market through his career and has determined that no other SNP database is available to public sunflower researchers.

11. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition: There are no barriers to remove as membership in this association is not restricted.