P03 JOFOC AuPhos Research.pdf

Last Updated: 02/01/22 Page 1 of 2

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 13.106 1 For

Over Micro Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the SAT ($250K)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C249 22 AP 4679

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 09, 596 Lexington VA Medical Center 2237: 596 23 1 9675 0001

2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount:

The action being requested involves the generation and testing of AuPhos analogues needed for performance of Dr Barrett’s VA Merit review project. The University of Kentucky will provide staff that will be engaged in testing and producing quantity sufficient analogues chosen for in vivo and in vitro testing to the Barrett lab.

UK has staff that are proficient in metal chemistry and will be designing, producing and testing (e.g. solubility and measurement of drug quantity in cells) of AuPhos analogues as needed for performing in vitro and in vivo studies as described in the Merit review grant awarded to Dr Barrett’s lab.

The requested services we seek were referred as a required service in Dr. Barrett’s VHA funded Research grant and are needed to complete the 3 specific aims listed in the grant application.

Estimated yearly costs:

Year #1 Base Year $39,465 12 1 22 to 11 30 23 Year #2 Option Year 1 $39,912 12 1 23 to 11 30 24 Year 31 Option Year 2 $40,374 12 1 24 to 11 30 25

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used:

University of Kentucky is the verified Sole Source provider for trained and certified research assistant. Staff to be provided by UK have unique qualifications in the area of metal chemistry. This particular group has invented the agent being studied and is proficient in designing new analogues to optimize its effects in treating human inflammatory bowel disease. Inclusive in these unique areas of expertise are the staff’s capacity to measure drug levels using sophisticated mass spectroscopy adapted for measuring metal (e.g. gold) containing compounds

4. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted:

Limited market research was conducted as a result of the services being requested being listed

Last Updated: 02/01/22 Page 2 of 2 throughout Dr. Barrett’s VA Research grant application. These services are required and are needed in order for Dr. Barrett to complete the specific aims in his research grant. This grant application was reviewed by members of VHA’s scientific community and the services that are being requested have been validated as a necessity.

However, market research on Vetbiz using NAICS 541715 revealed 422 SDVOSB/VOSB vendors under this NAICS. Adding keyword “Research Assistance” (not strict) yielded 0 vendors. An Intent to Sole Source 36C24923C0027 resulted in zero responses from interested vendors.

Acquisition strategy: Results of Market Research suggest the Rule of Two cannot be met for the requested service. Since this requirement is unique to the customer, recommendation is to award a Sole Source contract to the University of Kentucky, DUNS 607430167, SAM verified Large business.

5. Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR13.106 1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Name Date Title

11/09/2022 Christina B. Smith 234510

Digitally signed by Christina B.

Smith 234510 Date: 2022.11.09 07:32:09 -06'00'