RFQ 15DDHQ25Q00000010.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION

Evaluation of Abuse Potential of Synthetic Cannabinoids and Phytocannabinoids Using In Vivo Pharmacological Studies

Diversion Control Division (DC)

REQUEST FOR Quote (RFQ) 15DDHQ25Q00000010

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Section 1: Schedule of Services

Unit cost estimates for different pharmacological tests.

Advance payments for costs incurred to conduct assays as specified in the Tables are not authorized. Vendor will bill DEA on a monthly basis based on actual expenses (i.e., consumables, assay costs). Expense report will include total number of assays completed and the unit cost of each type of assay (e.g., 4 drug discrimination assays x specified unit cost = $). The unit cost for each assay is the assay cost plus the incidental cost. Drug costs will vary depending on amount needed. Any drug amount exceeding 1 g or a cost of $500 will need approval by DEA prior to ordering.

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Section 2: Statement of Work Evaluation of Abuse Potential of Synthetic Cannabinoids and Phytocannabinoids Using In

Vivo Pharmacological Studies

1.0 Background

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Diversion Control Division (DC), Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section (DPE) is responsible for evaluating drugs and chemicals to determine whether these substances have abuse potential. These evaluations are used by DEA to support its domestic scheduling activities. In order for DEA to determine the abuse potential of drugs and chemicals, pharmacological, medical, epidemiological, and other scientific data for these drugs, when necessary, are needed to initiate the administrative procedure to place these substances under regulatory control according to the guidelines of the Controlled Substances Act

(CSA).

Recently, numerous novel psychoactive substances (NPS) to include synthetic cannabinoid and phytocannabinoid compounds have emerged within the United States and poses significant risk to the public safety. Numerous NPS have been identified in samples submitted to federal, state and local forensic laboratories. There have been reports of overdoses, including fatalities, associated with the abuse these substances. In response to the associated public health threat with the abuse of NPS, the Administrator of DEA has placed several NPS in Schedule I of the CSA under a temporary scheduling order to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety.

Preliminary studies (in vitro) have shown that these substances share pharmacological similarities with other known drugs of abuse. Further, there are emerging NPS with paucity of pharmacology data. Detailed information on many NPS biological and pharmacological activities is limited.

2.0 Brief description of work

For this project, unless otherwise specified by the DEA representative, the vendor shall purchase the reference drugs and all test substances1 approved by the DEA for testing. The DEA will provide the test substances otherwise not commercially available to the potential vendor for the requested testing. Some of these substances are Schedule I substances. Therefore, the vendor should already have a Schedule I researcher registration with DEA. The vendor shall conduct appropriate preclinical studies such as locomotor activity study, cannabinoid tetrad study, and drug discrimination study on these substances in comparison to appropriate controls and reference standard substances. The type of study requested is dependent upon the class of substance. The reference training drugs shall include, but not be limited to THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and other drugs as directed by the DEA representative. Each substance shall be assessed for its abuse potential by using appropriate studies in rodents. The vendor will provide the DEA with investigational study results and a description of the methodology used to conduct the investigation in the form of a study report based on the timeline specified in this statement of work (SOW), if not earlier. If a report on all requested studies cannot be provided

1 The vendor shall provide adequate information on the purity of the test substance before conducting pharmacological testing. Also, should the drug cost exceed $500, the vendor shall contact DEA representative for approval.

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by the specified timelines, a letter stating the anticipated date of completion of investigations and anticipated delivery of a study report will be required prior to that date. Final study conditions, including but not limited to the number of rodent, or the strain of rodent used, shall be subject to approval of the DEA representative. The vendor shall be able to conduct all studies though not all assays might be requested.

3.0 Specific requirements

Task 1. Drug source, storage and recordkeeping.

I. Drug Source: Unless otherwise specified by the DEA representative (if it is determined that the test substance is not commercially available), the vendor shall purchase the reference and test drugs2. The cost of the drug should not exceed $500. If there is a deviation, DEA representative should be notified immediately. Actual cost of drug can be billed as an invoice. The vendor shall conduct a preclinical evaluation of these test substances (as specified in tasks listed below) in comparison to appropriate controls and the appropriate reference standard. Pharmacological evaluation of each test substance shall be done using appropriate in vivo assays as approved by DEA.

II. Record Keeping: The vendor shall maintain electronic and paper copies of a chronological log of the test substance receipt and evaluation using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software. When each substance is received, the following shall be recorded:

a) test substance's name;

b) source of the test substance (if it is a purchased or a standard substance);

c) purity of the test substance (all test and reference drug should be ≥ 98%);

d) date testing of the test substance was authorized;

e) date the test substance was received (If provided by the DEA);

f) amount of test substance received (if provided by the DEA);

g) pharmacological studies authorized by DEA for the test substance (e.g. locomotor activity and drug discrimination);

h) date when the study began for each authorized study;

i) amount of test substance used for each authorized study;

j) date when the study was completed for each authorized study;

k) date when the report was sent to the DEA.

This cumulative Receipt and Evaluation log shall be kept up to date and forwarded to the DEA representative upon request.

III. Drug Storage and Schedule I Researcher Registration Requirement: Some of the test substances maybe in Schedule I of the CSA. Under these circumstances, it is required that the test substances be stored under Schedule I requirements as specified by the CSA and that the vendor evaluating the test substances shall be registered with the DEA as a

2 The vendor shall provide adequate information on the purity of the test substance before conducting pharmacological testing.

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Schedule I researcher. Some reference drugs are in Schedule II of the CSA. Therefore appropriate DEA license and storage requirement shall be maintained. In cases where test substances are not Schedule I, drug storage requirements shall be maintained under Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) or GLP-like conditions.

Task 2. Protocols of in vivo pharmacological studies (locomotor activity, cannabinoid tetrad studies, drug discrimination studies and other optional studies (e.g. head twitch response)) in laboratory rodent animals

General protocols that are used for in vivo locomotor activity and drug discrimination studies shall be provided by the vendor to the DEA. The protocols shall contain a description of the methodology used to conduct the investigation, a description of the apparatuses that will be used for conducting the studies, maintenance of the animals to be used in the tests, procedures for analysis of the data including proposed statistical methods, and proposed presentations of the data and study results. Specifically, the study protocol should conform to the following standards:

I. A study protocol shall be provided for each individual in vivo pharmacological study. For example, one protocol should be provided for locomotor activity and one protocol for drug discrimination study, etc.

II. The study protocols must be specifically written to meet the protocol preferences as listed in this SOW under Tasks 3, 4, 5 and 6.

III. The study protocol should closely follow the format of the materials and methods section that would be submitted for a peer-reviewed journal article. Details including the animal strain, number of animal, animal care, experimental design, data analysis including statistical methods and generation of results (e.g. ED50 and 95% confidence limit values, repeated measures ANOVA as appropriate) shall be included.

IV. The study protocol shall include examples of how data will be presented. For example, representative dose-response curves, tables, and statistical analyses should be included.

This information can be taken from previously published studies. However, this information should be included in a section as part of the study protocol and shall not be submitted as a separate file, but the data should be cited (i.e. submitting the example paper with the study protocol would not be considered acceptable).

V. Signature lines shall be included on each study protocol. Upon approval of the protocol by DEA and the vendor, the protocol will be signed by each representative. The original signed document will remain with DEA. A copy of the signed protocol will be provided to the vendor. The signed protocols will serve as an official record.

Following receipt of the standard protocols by the DEA representative, a phone conversation may be scheduled to discuss the study protocols and SOPs. Any significant deviations or modifications from the protocol by the vendor must be authorized by DEA. The vendor must provide a modified protocol (e.g., change in time points, change in vehicle used, modification needed based on a specific test substance, etc.), the amended or modified protocol must be submitted in writing to the DEA representative for review and approval. The DEA representative must approve work with each new assay modifications.

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NOTE: The DEA representative must approve work with each new test method prior to its initiation. Only those test substance specified by the DEA shall be evaluated in the new study under development. For the most part, standard substances (known drugs of abuse such as THC and others) shall be used. Special reports and data summaries shall adhere to a format determined by the DEA.

Task 3. Evaluation of test substances in the in vivo locomotor activity study

I. Objective: Using the general protocol agreed to by the vendor and DEA in Task 2, the vendor shall, as specified by the DEA representative, evaluate standard (reference) and/or test substances using the in vivo locomotor activity assay. The goal of this in vivo pharmacological study (locomotor activity study) is to determine whether the test substance can elicit changes in locomotor activity of the rodent. Further, this study can be used to identify parameters to include but not limited to onset of action, time to peak effect, duration of action, and dose effect response before conducting other behavioral tests for the test substances.

II. Experimental Design: Locomotor activity assays shall be conducted in mice unless otherwise agreed upon by both the DEA and vendor. If alternative rodent animal species or alternate species are selected, the vendor will provide to the DEA a comprehensive rationale for selecting a different animal species. The DEA and the vendor shall agree on the strain of rodent to be used for each of the studies. Briefly, locomotor activity test will be conducted in an automated activity monitoring chamber located in a sound-attenuating device that provides dim illumination. Prior to testing, mice will be injected via appropriate route with either vehicle or reference substances or test substance and immediately placed in the chamber for locomotor activity monitoring. In all studies, horizontal activity (interruption of photocell beams) reported as horizontal activity count will be measured.

Testing shall be conducted with one mouse per activity chamber. Experimental groups for evaluating each test substance should consist of appropriate number of doses (three experimental doses at a minimum) using a pharmacologically- effective dose range to generate a dose response curve, and a statistically appropriate number of animals per group (at least 8 animals). Appropriate controls shall be used. For each test substance, ED50 (50% effective dose) and 95 % confidence limit values shall be calculated. Data on dose-response curves shall also be presented and reported.

III. Potential Experimental Issues and Reporting: In the event that any experimental issues arise (e.g., inability to dissolve test compound, unexpected results, animal lethality, deviation or departure from the agreed protocol, statistics issue due to experimental constrains), the vendor shall immediately notify the DEA representative, in writing (email) with the issue and if the issue was resolved. Based on the issue noted by the vendor, the DEA representative may schedule a phone conversation or respond by email. All experimental issues that arise and the resolutions shall be documented in writing even if the issue and resolutions are discussed in a phone conversation.

IV. Study Report: Following completion of the in vivo locomotor activity study for each test substance, the results in the form described in Task 8 (e.g. ED50 and 95% confidence

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limit values, dose response curves) shall be provided to the DEA representative for review and acceptance. The DEA representative may contact the vendor if there are any notable issues with the results.

Task 4. Evaluation of test substances in the in vivo cannabinoid tetrad testing battery.

I. Objective: The goal of this study is to evaluate the effects of test substances on antinociception, body temperature, spontaneous locomotor activity, and catalepsy. Using the general protocol with agreement of the vendor and DEA in Task 2, the investigators shall, as specified by the DEA representative, evaluate standard (reference e.g. THC) and/or test substances using the agreed upon in vivo tetrad testing battery.

II. Experimental Design: The in vivo tetrad testing battery shall be conducted in mice unless otherwise agreed upon by both the DEA and vendor. The vendor shall provide justification for the type of strain selected to conduct this study. Test substances selected for the tetrad test battery shall not be included as a test substance in Tasks 3 (in vivo locomotor activity test) unless otherwise specified by the DEA representative. Selection of the positive and/or negative control, if required, for each test substance selected for the tetrad testing battery shall be specified by DEA to vendor. Experimental groups for evaluating each test substance should consist of appropriate number of doses (three experimental doses at a minimum), using a pharmacologically-effective dose range to generate a dose response curve, and a statistically appropriate number of animals per group (at least 8 animals). Appropriate controls shall be used. For each active test substance, ED50 (50% effective dose) and 95% confidence limit values shall be calculated. Data on dose-response curves shall also be presented and reported.

III. Potential Experimental Issues and Reporting: In the event that any experimental issues arise (e.g. inability to dissolve test compound, unexpected results, animal lethality, deviation or departure from the agreed protocol, statistics issue due to experimental constrains), the vendor shall immediately notify the DEA representative, in writing (email) with the issue and if it was resolved. Based on the issue noted by the vendor, the DEA representative may schedule a phone conversation or respond by email. All experimental issues that arise and the resolutions shall be documented in writing even if the issue and resolutions are discussed in a phone conversation.

I. Study Report: Following completion of the in vivo tetrad assay for each test substance, the results in the form described in Task 8 (e.g. ED50 and 95% confidence limit values, dose response curves) shall be provided to the DEA representative for review and acceptance. The DEA representative may contact the vendor if there are any notable issues with the results.

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Task 5. Evaluation of test substances in in vivo drug discrimination assay I. Objective: The goal of this in vivo pharmacological study is to understand whether the test substances can be substituted for the discriminative-stimulus effects produced by a known drug of abuse. Using the general protocol agreed to by the vendor and DEA in Task 2, the vendor shall, as specified by the DEA representative, evaluate standard (reference) and test substances using the in vivo drug discrimination assay.

II. Experimental Design: Drug discrimination studies shall be conducted in rats unless otherwise agreed upon by both the DEA and vendor. If alternative rodent animal species or alternate species are selected, the vendor will provide to the DEA a comprehensive rationale for selecting a different animal species. The DEA and the vendor shall agree on the strain of rodent to be used for each of the studies. The vendor shall maintain groups of animals (rats) trained to discriminate the stimulus effects of a given reference drug (from its vehicle during each year of the agreement. It is expected that drug discrimination training for the animals commence within a week after the protocol is approved. The reference training drugs shall include, but not be limited to THC and other drugs as directed by the DEA representative. The training and reference drugs should be tested periodically to establish a dose effect reference standard in the rats. The vendor shall have the equipment available for drug discrimination testing procedures such that the experiments can be conducted in a relatively expedient manner for this assay.

Additionally, it is encouraged to have multiple and/or automated apparatus for evaluating the discriminative stimulus effects in order to increase efficiency of completing the experiments.

III. Potential Experimental Issues and Reporting: In the event that any experimental issues arise (e.g. inability to dissolve test compound, unexpected results, animal lethality, deviation or departure from the agreed protocol, statistics issue due to experimental constrains ), the vendor shall immediately notify the DEA representative, in writing (email) with the issue and if the issue was resolved. Based on the issue noted by the vendor, the DEA representative may schedule a phone conversation or respond by email.

All experimental issues that arise and the resolutions shall be documented in writing even if the issue and resolutions are discussed in a phone conversation.

IV. Study Report: Following completion of the in vivo tetrad assay for each test substance, the results in the form described in Task 8 (e.g. ED50 and 95% confidence limit values, dose response curves) shall be provided to the DEA representative for review and acceptance. The DEA representative may contact the vendor if there are any notable issues with the results.

Task 6. Optional In Vivo Studies

The DEA is open to the inclusion of other behavioral studies (e.g., physical dependence, conditioned place preference, rotorod assays), pharmacokinetic studies, and route of administration (e.g., inhalation) that can provide further information on the pharmacological properties of this class of substances. Please note that inability to perform any of the suggested optional studies will not exclude a researcher for consideration. If the DEA representative and

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the vendor agree on all matters (i.e., feasibility, cost, etc.) regarding these optional in vivo studies then these study can be added to the contract.

Task 7. Data presentation

The data organized in tables shall be provided to the DEA representative. Information should include, but not be limited to: (1) name of substance; (2) in vivo assay tested; (3) date(s) of study;

(4) animal species used and source; (5) route(s) of administration, vehicle, and doses used; (6) number of animals per group; (7) observed effect at each selected dose level; and (8) calculated ED50 and 95 % confidence interval values. For instances where there is insufficient information to provide the specified information in the table, vendor will document the rationale in the table.

This recordkeeping of the data and results is separate from the recordkeeping of the test substance as listed in Task 1 and also is separate from the reporting of study results listed in Tasks 3 - 5. The summarized data ("cumulative data table") shall be forwarded monthly to the DEA representative. The vendor and DEA will ensure all electronic information is accessible to individuals with disabilities in accordance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U .S.C.

794d), as amended in 1998.

Task 8. Final study report for each substance tested

Following completion of the experiments in Task 3, 4, and 5, a final study report containing the complete methodology, data analysis, and study results for each test substance shall be provided in electronic format to the DEA.

1) Study Report:

i) Study Reports: A final study report containing the complete methodology, data analysis, and study results for each compound/assay shall be provided to the DEA.

The DEA representative will provide an example of a Final Study Report for the vendor to use in preparation of the report. Where feasible, data shall be presented in tables and figures and the results shall be described in a textual format. Raw data should also be included in an appendix to the report. The vendor shall first submit a draft report in using Microsoft word to the DEA Representative. Upon review by the DEA Representative, revisions may need to be made. Once revisions are completed or the draft is cleared by the DEA Representative, final copies of the report shall be provided to the DEA Representative in electronic MS word version as well as a portable document file (PDF) format. Each report shall be due no later than thirty (30) calendar days after the study completion date specified in the Contractor's log of substance evaluation. The format shall be as follows:

ii) Front cover to contain: Date, title (to include compound name), researcher

(name/address/phone number, email), contract number, DEA representative (name).

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iii) Main body to contain: (1) A brief (one or two paragraph) summary of the findings (2) detailed methods, and (3) results organized as text, tables, and/or figures, as agreed upon with DEA representative.

Task 9. Reporting Requirements

All reports required herein shall be submitted in electronic format to the DEA representative as detailed in the following subsections. The preparation and submission of regularly recurring Technical Progress Reports will be required for this agreement. These reports shall require descriptive information about the activities undertaken during the reporting period and will require information about planned activities for future reporting periods. The frequency and specific content of these reports will be determined by the DEA Representative.

a) Monthly Reports: On or before the 5th working day of each month, the vendor shall submit one electronic copy in PDF format of a report on activities during the month. In the report, vendor shall include (1) all test substance evaluation reports completed during the month (2) a table, or set of tables, of all compounds tested in the contract, with the main results so far, and (3) entries for the compounds next in line for testing as specified above

b) Study Reports: See Task 7 for details on these reports.

c) Annual Progress Reports: On or before the 5th working day following the end of each period of performance year, the vendor shall submit a report on activities during the year.

Two copies, one paper copy and one electronic copy in Microsoft Word or PDF format, shall be sent to the DEA representative. In the report, vendor shall include: section 1 – a summary of the overall results generated on all substances during the past 12 months;

section 2 – a brief summary of any problems encountered while conducting the established experimental assays and, if applicable, a description of how those problems were resolved, as well as a brief summary of progress in any experimental assay development; section 3 – the log of test substance purchased, See Task 1; section 4 – any other information required. The summary of overall results (section 1) should not be an all-inclusive summary of data generated on standard substances but, rather a summary highlights.

Task 10. Level of Effort

The DEA Representatives reserve the right to visit the laboratory where testing is being conducted.

a) Meetings between DEA and vendor:

i. Monthly conference calls: The vendor and the DEA representative shall have a teleconference meeting once a month. Other DEA and contract staff may

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participate if necessary. These meetings may be waived at the discretion of the DEA representative. Specific items for discussion shall be subject to the approval of the DEA representative.

ii. In-person meetings: DEA representative reserves the right to visit the vendor’s facility for the purpose of site visitation. At approximately 12-month intervals, DEA representatives may set-up a meeting with the vendor for the purpose of reviewing past, current, and/or proposed work under this agreement. These meetings may be waived at the discretion of the DEA representative. Specific items for discussion shall be subject to the approval of the DEA representative.

iii. Pre-Meeting Materials: Three weeks before each meeting, the vendor shall prepare "pre-meeting packets" summarizing all data on test compounds to be presented and describing relevant assay methods. This packet shall also include summaries of: (1) Quotes for optimizing existing assays; (2) progress in ongoing assay development; (3) Quotes for new assay development; (4) problems encountered in implementing tasks required in the agreement; and (5) proposed solutions to problems encountered. The vendor shall deliver this information to the DEA representative at least 3 weeks in advance of the meeting for approval, and after approval has been obtained, to each consultant at least 2 weeks prior to the meeting.

iv. Post-Meeting Materials: After the meeting, the vendor shall prepare a post-

Meeting report, summarizing the recommendations and comments of the attending consultants and DEA staff. The report shall include recommendations for optimizing specific assays and suggestions for incorporating new assays into the DEA testing program. The Post- Meeting Report shall be sent to the DEA representative within three (3) weeks of the meeting.

v. Meeting Location(s): The site of the meeting shall be either at the annual scientific meetings of professional associations such as the College on Problems of Drug Dependence and the Society for Neuroscience, the DEA headquarters or other locations as specified by the DEA. This agreement shall not be responsible for the payment of DEA consultants' expenses. Meetings via video teleconference to discuss status and other issues may be held, but could be cancelled at the DEA’s discretion.

4.0 Period of Performance

Period of Performance POP Start POP End Ordering Period 1 05/01/2025 04/30/2026 Ordering Period 2 05/01/2026 04/30/2027 Ordering Period 3 05/01/2027 04/30/2028 Ordering Period 4 05/01/2028 04/30/2029 Ordering Period 5 05/01/2029 04/30/2030

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5.0 Deliverables

If a report on any of the requested studies cannot be provided by the specified timelines, the vendor must notify the DEA immediately upon obtaining this knowledge. This notification shall be followed up by a letter to the DEA stating the reason for the delay, the anticipated date of completion of investigations, and the anticipated delivery of the study.

ITEM DELIVERABLE DELIVERY SCHEDULE

1 Project kick-off meeting to discuss overall project expectations, timelines, and deliverables.

Agreed protocols of the in vivo locomotor activity, cannabinoid tetrad study and drug discrimination assays

Within 2 working days following receipt of protocol.

Initial protocols to be provided to DEA within 30 calendar days after start of the agreement period.

Modified or revised protocols to be provided to DEA for review within 7 calendar days of discussion/notification by either party that the protocol must be modified or revised.

2 Monthly Status Reports 30 days from contract award date and monthly thereafter.

3 Study Report To DEA no later than 30 calendar days after study completion date.

4 Annual Progress Reports To DEA on or before the 5th working day following each year.

5 Final Report To DEA on or before the expiration

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of the agreement period.

6 Laboratory Records and Test Substances To DEA on or before the expiration of the agreement period.

6.0 Use of Data

All documents, data, materials, records, and information sources provided to the vendor, developed or maintained by the vendor in the performance of this contract under this SOW are deemed to be the property of the DEA. All data collected, generated, manipulated or otherwise processed under this agreement are confidential information unless or until DEA authorizes its release. None of these data may be used at any time for any purpose except to generate reports or other requirements specified in the Statement of Work, without prior written approval of the DEA. The DEA and the vendor will mutually agree to discuss matters of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) policy before each agency independently discloses requested information.

On or before the agreement year expiration, the vendor shall deliver (or otherwise dispose per the DEA) all data, including raw databases (electronic or hard copies), tapes, software programs used to interpret or manipulate data, weight calculation files, data collection forms, file definitions, and various edited databases generated under this contract to the DEA (except for data necessary only to comply with other Federal data retention requirements, such as requirements pertaining to clinical trials or the Food and Drug Administration's rules pertaining to drug applications).

During or after the agreement, no data may be released, presented or published except upon prior approval of the DEA. All requests which the vendor will receive from third parties for access to the data must be referred to the DEA.

7.0 Retention of Information

The vendor shall retain, for 5 years beyond the duration of this agreement, all laboratory notebooks (which shall include paper copies of raw data) and electronic data files. Electronic data files shall be labeled and recorded in a manner that allows their association with corresponding laboratory notebook entries and paper copies of raw data. On or before the expiration date of this agreement, if so instructed by the DEA representative, the vendor investigators shall ship these items to the DEA representative in Arlington, VA.

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8.0 Security Requirements

All contractor personnel supporting this procurement are entrusted with a certain level of trust due to the nature of DEA’s mission. The Government expects the vendor will employ persons of integrity and trustworthiness. To ensure this, DEA reserves the right to conduct background screening or a full background investigation on all employees if a need arises. While all services provided on this contract will be performed outside of DEA, all contractors must be escorted if entering a DEA facility. DEA reserves the right to modify the security requirements found in this contract at any time.

DEA Representative (Scientific and Technical Contact):

Luli Akinfiresoye, Ph.D Pharmacologist Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section Drug Enforcement Administration

9.0 Staffing/Key Personnel

9.1 Key personnel associated with this acquisition shall include:

I. NAICS 611310 - Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

1. Principal Investigator (Key Personnel):

a. Ph.D., and 3 years’ experience in an academic research laboratory setting; detail relevant professional training; certifications, and verifiable previous successful program experience/expertise.

b. Resumes shall include start and end dates, company/ agency name and a detailed description of each work experience, clearly referencing the experience required in the SOW, education and qualifications.

2. Co-Principal Investigator (Key Personnel):

a. Ph.D., and 3 years’ experience in an academic research laboratory setting; detail relevant professional training; certifications, and verifiable previous successful program experience/expertise.

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b. Resumes shall include start and end dates, company/ agency name and a detailed description of each work experience, clearly referencing the experience required in the SOW, education and qualifications.

3. Research Technician assigned to conduct locomotor activity testing and analgesia testing (Non-Key Personnel)

4. Laboratory Manager (Non-Key Personnel)

5. Research Technician assigned to conduct drug discrimination testing (Non-Key Personnel)

It is assumed that multiple technicians may be necessary to conduct any one of the tasks associated with this acquisition.

II. NAICS 621511 - Medical Laboratories

1. Principal Investigator [Study Director] (Key Personnel):

a. Ph.D., and 3 years’ experience in an academic research laboratory setting;

detail relevant professional training; certifications, and verifiable previous successful program experience/expertise.

b. Resumes shall include start and end dates, company/ agency name and a detailed description of each work experience, clearly referencing the experience required in the SOW, education and qualifications.

2. Co-Principal Investigator [Project Director] (Key Personnel):

a. Ph.D., and 3 years’ experience in an academic research laboratory setting;

detail relevant professional training; certifications, and verifiable previous successful program experience/expertise.

b. Resumes shall include start and end dates, company/ agency name and a detailed description of each work experience, clearly referencing the experience required in the SOW, education and qualifications.

3. Laboratory Manager (Non-Key Personnel)

4. Research Technician assigned to conduct locomotor activity and analgesia testing

(Non-Key Personnel).

5. Research Technician assigned to conduct drug discrimination testing (Non-Key Personnel).

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It is assumed that multiple technicians may be necessary to conduct any one of the tasks associated with this acquisition.

9.2 Staff Recruitment/Retention:

The contractor shall provide resumes for only key personnel [Principal Investigator and Co- Principle Investigator] after award, prior to assigning them on this requirement. The government requires explicit detail relevant to professional training, certifications, and verifiable program experience/expertise.

The contractor shall explain current employee benefits and commitments that will ensure retention of personnel hired to work under the contract for multiple years.

9.3 Management Plan:

The management plan must include:

• A proposed approach for managing unforeseen personnel shortages.

• A description of the Offeror’s quality control process and how the staffing plan supports managing the quality of services provided.

• A description of how the Offeror shall overcome the challenges, mitigate the risks and deliver the performance outcomes and deliverables described in the SOW.

Include the proposed approach to utilizing and managing subcontractors if they will be utilized.

9.4 Past Performance:

The contractor shall provide past performance examples relevant to the SOW.

10.0 Transition Plan [Phase-In & Phase-Out]

The Contractor shall submit a transition phase-in/out plan that will not affect the operations of the program during the transition periods during the contract performance. The Contractor shall transition in accordance with its timeline to complete all phase-in activities within 60 days of the effective date of the contract. The transition plan of the successful Contractor will be incorporated into the contract after award.

A. Transition Phase-In Transition is an integral part of contract startup. The plan for transition-in shall include, but is not limited to:

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1. Management of Phase-In Activities.

2. Initial staffing levels and timeline to achieve and perform tasks stated in the

SOW.

3. Management of Knowledge Transfer Activities

4. Development and Dissemination of Operational Instructions, Procedures, and

Control Directives.

5. Ensuring No Disruption of Work and Maintaining Continuity of Operations.

6. Transfer of Government Furnished Property, Material, Equipment and Data, if applicable.

7. Monitoring and Reporting of Transition Progress.

B. Transition Phase-Out

The Contractor shall submit a transition-out plan. The plan shall include, but is not limited to:

1. Management of Knowledge Transfer

2. Transfer and/or return of Government Data, Material, Equipment, and

Furnished Property.

3. Provides any data/documentation/task completed in performance of contract includes final version, drafts, and research and analysis report.

4. Ensuring no disruption of work and maintaining continuity of operations.

5. Hiring and retention personnel.

6. Monitoring and Reporting of Transition Progress.

Section 3: Basis of Award:

The government intends to award a Firm Fixed Price, single award BPA in accordance with FAR Part 13. The basis of award will be best value trade-off approach. All Non- Cost evaluation factors when combined are significantly more important than Cost (Factor 4). In the event Quotes are evaluated as technically equal in quality, cost will become a major consideration in selecting the successful Offeror. The government will utilize the Confidence Adjectival ratings– Low, Some, and High and may or may not award to the lowest cost offer and highest technically rated Offeror.

An award will be made to the Offeror offering the “best value to the government based on the evaluation of all non-cost factors and review of cost, along with the Quote(s) demonstrating an understanding of the contract requirements and their ability to satisfy those requirements based on the required SOW.

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Section 4: RFQ Instructions to Offerors

Submittal Requirements: Quotes shall be submitted electronically to Marie Devine, Contracting Officer at marie.t.devine@dea.gov. Submittal shall be on Offeror’s letterhead clearly labeled with company name, address, phone number, Cage Number, Unique Entity ID, business size/socio economic category, and point of contact(s) and email address(s).

The Offeror’s executive summary must include the name and signature of an official authorized to bind the submitting organization. Quotes must be received by the published due date and time; electronic email. Be advised that late Quotes will not be considered.

Time, Date, and Place for Submission: The Quote submitted in response to this RFQ No:

15DDHQ25Q00000010 are due no later than 8:00 AM EST on March 25, 2025.

Questions in regard to the RFQ are to be submitted to Marie Devine, Contracting Officer at marie.t.devine@dea.gov.by 8:00 AM EST on March 14, 2025. Any question received after this due date will not be addressed. Offerors shall submit their question in the format shown below.

Page, Section and Paragraph # and/or Attachment

Questions Comments

Note, Offeror’s questions and DEA responses may result in the form of an amendment to the RFQ. Responses to questions will not reveal the Offerors who proposed the questions.

1. Basis for Award: The basis of award will be best value trade-off approach. The government intends to issue a competitive firm fixed price single award BPA in accordance with FAR 13; in the best interest of the Government. The basis of award will be best value trade-off approach

2. Quote Period: The Vendor’s Quotes shall be good for not less than 90 calendar days.

3. Expenses Related to Vendor Submission: The Government will not pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of any Quote.

mailto:marie.t.devine@dea.gov mailto:marie.t.devine@dea.gov.by

DEA/DC/DPE 19

Determination of Vendor Responsibility: Separate and independent of this evaluation, the Contracting Officer will decide of responsibility using the standards listed in FAR 9.104-1. In the event a Vendor is deemed not responsible, that Vendor will be notified and removed from participation in this procurement.

4. RFQ Response - The quote shall conform DEA provisions and clauses included in the RFQ. To aid its evaluation:

The quote shall be clearly and concisely written as well as being neat, indexed, and logically assembled.

The Quote shall be specific and complete in every detail.

The Quote shall be practical, straightforward with concise delineation of what it is the

Offeror will do to satisfy the requirements of the Statement of Work.

The quote shall not merely offer to perform work in accordance with the scope of the work.

It shall outline the actual work proposed as specifically as practical. The Statement of Work (SOW) reflects the objectives of the program, therefore merely stating or affirming that the Vendor will execute the performance requirements without sufficient elaboration will not be acceptable.

All pages shall be appropriately numbered and identified with the name of the Vendor, the date, and RFQ number.

a. 52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

b. As a result of the solicitation, the Government intends to issue a competitive firm fixed price single award BPA to the responsible Offeror’s whose Quote(s) are conforming to the solicitation and represents the best value to the Government.

c. NAICS 611310 – Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools, 621511 – Medical Laboratories, 541715 – Research and Development, and 541380 – Testing Laboratories and Services with fixed priced CLINS for five (5) ordering periods..

d. An official authorized to by your organization must sign the RFQ responses. Quotes shall provide convincing rationale to address how the Offeror intends to meet these requirements. Offeror are reminded that Government reserves the right to award this effort based on the initial Quote, as received, without discussions. Quotes must be clear, coherent, and prepared in sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of stated claims. The quotes shall not simply rephrase or restate the Department’s requirements, but rather shall provide convincing rationale to address how the Offeror intends to meet these requirements. Each volume shall be written on a stand-alone basis so that its contents may be evaluated without seeking information from other volumes of the Quote. Information required for evaluation, which is not

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found in its designated volume, will be assumed to have been omitted from the quotes.

5. Quote Format and Content:

All quotes shall contain the two separate volumes (and sections) identified in the chart below and be submitted as two (2) separate PDF files, subject to the quantities and page limits as specified below:

Table 3.0

Volume Title Document Format Maximum Page Limit* I Factor 1: Technical

Capability

Subfactor 1:

Transition Plan (Phase-In/Phase- Out)

1 Original – Electronic Version

Page Limit: 20 pages (Table of contents and Executive Summary are excluded from page count).

I Factor 2: Staffing Approach

1 Original – Electronic Version Page Limit: 20 pages (Resumes

Subfactor 1:

pages are excluded from total page limits).

Recruitment/Retention:

Subfactor 2:

Management Plan:

I Factor 3:

Past Performance

1 Original – Electronic Version

Page Limit: 3 pages.

II Factor 4: Business Quote/Cost

1 Original – Electronic Version

No Page Limit

Pricing Spreadsheet

Sample BPA-Call Order Pages submitted in excess of the page limitations described above will not be evaluated.

Paper, Page Size and Markings: Each volume shall have a Table of Contents for easy reference.

The Quotes shall be formatted such that, if printed, they fit within 8 ½ x 11- inch paper, in a commercially standard font size (no smaller than 11-point). The offeror should mark its RFQ response with any proprietary marking, if needed, based on their assessment of the contents of each of these volumes.

Illustrations and Tables: Pages shall not contain any graphics or illustrations other than for the purposes of depicting the management/staffing plan and relevant corporate experience.

Illustrations, charts, and graphs other than for depicting the management/staffing plan and relevant corporate experience are not permitted. Tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and figures shall be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be uncomplicated, legible, and shall not exceed 8.5 x 11 inches. Text shall be no smaller than 10 point for tables, charts, graphs, and figures. Elaborate formats or color presentations are not required. After evaluation, selection, and award, the files of each unsuccessful Quote will be retained per FAR 13.

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Section 5: Technical Instructions to Offerors

Volume I

Factor 1 – Technical Capability The Offeror shall demonstrate a technical understanding of the requirement, the approach, and techniques to satisfy all tasks as identified in the Statement of Work (SOW). Specifically, the Offeror shall demonstrate a technical approach to accomplishing the objectives and/or tasks to be performed including its ability to organize, manage its project personnel and resources, anticipate risks to ensure quality of services provided based on past experiences, and reference services required in accordance with the SOW.

Subfactor 1 - Transition Plan (Phase-In & Phase-Out):

Offeror’s Transition plan, shall also include an operational and cost-effective transition plan clearly identifying phase-in and phase-in out strategies. This plan shall be for all services referenced in the SOW, and shall include how the transition will be completed to ensure continuity of services. At a minimum, the transition A shall include the following:

A. Phase-In

1. Management of Phase-In Activities within 60 days of the effective date of the contract

2. Initial staffing levels and timeline to achieve to perform tasks stated in the SOW

3. Management of Knowledge Transfer Activities

4. Development and Dissemination of Operational Instructions, Procedures, and Control Directives

5. Ensuring No Disruption of Work and Maintaining Continuity of Operations

6. Transfer of Government Furnished Property, Material, Equipment and Data, if applicable

7. Monitoring and Reporting of Transition Progress

B. Phase-Out

1. Management of Knowledge Transfer

2. Transfer and/or return of Government Data, Material, Equipment, and Furnished

Property

3. Provides any data/documentation/task completed in performance of contract includes final version, drafts, and research and analysis report.

4. Ensuring no disruption of work and maintaining continuity of operations

5. Hiring and retention personnel.

6. Monitoring and Reporting of Transition Progress

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Factor 2 – Staffing Approach:

The Offeror shall provide a Staffing approach with innovative techniques to demonstrate its capabilities to recruit qualified candidates to fill all the positions required in the Statement of Work who meet the qualifications for each labor category. The Offeror’s shall also explain their approach as to the following:

o How they will forecast their hiring needs o What is their sourcing strategy?

o What is their selection process?

o What is their onboarding process?

o Are they going to utilize any subcontractors for this requirement? If so, clearly identify and explain which section of the works in accordance with the SOW, subcontractors will be working?

o What is the total percentage of the requirement subcontractors will be performing? Prime must perform 51% of the total requirement in the SOW.

Subfactor 1 – Recruitment/Retention:

A Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator (NAICS 611310, 541715) and a Principal Investigator (Study Director) and Co-Principal Investigator (Project Director) (NAICS 621511, 541380) shall explicitly detail relevant professional training, certifications, and verifiable, previous successful program experience/ expertise. The Offeror shall provide resumes for Key Personnel under either NAICS code dependent on the Offeror’s choice to provide recruitment/staffing solution specified in the Section 2 of the RFQ. Resumes shall include start and end dates, company/ agency name and a detailed description of each work experience, clearly referencing the experience required in the SOW, education and qualification. The claimed experience duration must equal detail level experience durations for each category.

Summary paragraph or matrix claiming total years of qualified experience is not sufficient, nor shall it be accepted as a substitute to providing the detailed, verifiable qualifications in each work experience in the resume. The Government must be able to clearly ascertain and validate required experience in the individual work history, or the resume may be considered a deficiency.

A letter of commitment, signed by the person proposed for one of the key personnel labor categories. The letter must express their ability to work at the proposed labor category.

The contractor shall explain current employee benefits and commitments that will ensure retention of personnel hired to work under the contract for 5 years beyond the duration of the contract agreement period of performance.

Subfactor 2 - Management Plan:

The…