AN16--Mass Spectrometry Service (Phenolic Metabolite Analysis)

Regional Procurement Office (RPO) East, Research and Development (R&D) Contract Division, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with North Carolina State University for the procurement of mass spectrometry services from Dr. Mario Feruzzi and his staff for phenolic metabolite analysis in support of current and on-going VA funded research at the James J. Peters Medical Center - Bronx, NY.

This procurement is being conducted in accordance with FAR 6.302-1(a)(2) (only 1 responsible source) because the Government believes that Dr. Mario Feruzzi and his staff at NCSU is the only contractor capable of providing the services by providing analytical support in the form of metabolite analysis in biological samples.

The study is focused on the beneficial role of plant derived phenolics and carotenoids in promoting resilience against stress disorder. The department requests mass spectrometry service from Dr. Ferruzzi s research group in North Caroline State University to measure malvidin-glucoside, dihydrocaffeic acid and their metabolites in rat plasma, brain and other tissues. Currently, there is no commercial sources that can provide the service to isolate malvidin-glucoside, dihydrocaffeic acid and their metabolites from plasma, brain and other tissues and to accurately quantify their concentration. Dr. Ferruzzi s research group specializes in the metabolism and bioavailability of plant-derived phenolics and carotenoids. Dr. Ferruzzi s research group developed these methods and have published numerous manuscripts related to these studies.

This notice is NOT a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation document is available. However, parties may express their interest accompanied by supporting literature by email to Millicent Covert, Contract Specialist, at millicent.covert@va.gov, no later than Monday, August 10, 2020, 11:59 AM EST. Telephone responses will not be accepted. Information received will be for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement or proceed with a sole-source procurement. The determination to conduct a competitive procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Contract Specialist.

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