Notice of Intent Sole Source.docx

Notice of Intent to Sole Source:

The USDA intends to award a sole source firm fixed price purchase order to EPOCH Life Science Inc.

The purpose of this contract is to secure EPOCH Life Science Inc., to perform custom gene synthesis and mutations to already synthesized genes to meet our research requirements for Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV) and African swine fever virus (ASFV) at the USDA, ARS, Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) in Orient Point, NY.

Epoch has several plasmid templates in their possession that we have previously synthesized and can use as a starting point (base) for future synthesis. We have had success in using the templates provided by Epoch for conducting our research. They then use a combination of new gene synthesis and re-using old gene synthesis builds our construct, in the desired expression vector which we specify, that they already have at their facility from previous gene synthesis products.

Epoch has already made successful templates by adding or removing specific genes from the base when our research results requires modifications for our gene synthesis.

This contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all quotations/responses received within ten (10) days of the issuance of this notice will be considered by the government. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

Any quotation/response should be emailed to sandra.daniels@usda.gov and mark.volk@usda.gov by 11:00 A.M. EDST May 9, 2020.