IDIQ lab services for desert tortoises

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE-SOURCE CONTRACT

The U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, has a requirement for specific laboratory tests for the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), a Federally- and State-listed threatened species. The tests are for mycoplasmosis, a disease contributing to population decline. The USGS conducts research on desert tortoises both internally and for external clients, such as the Bureau of Land Management, the California Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, and others. The laboratory tests and analysis of tests essential to the research program include quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) tests for isolates of Mycoplasma agassizii, Mycoplasma testudenium, and testudinid herpesvirus.

The U.S. Geological Survey, Office of Acquisition and Grants, Sacramento Branch intends to fulfill this requirement by contracting on a sole-source basis with the San Diego Zoo, specifically the Wildlife Disease Laboratories, Institute for Conservation Research. For consistency in interpretation of data sets gathered over the last twenty years, it is essential that these laboratory tests continue to be analyzed by scientists at the San Diego Zoo.

The proposed action will be an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract with a ceiling not-to-exceed $100,000 over its five-year ordering period. Individual orders will be issued on a firm-fixed price basis, depending on the quantity of samples to be analyzed and the specific tests required on each sample. Orders may be issued as definite batches of samples become available, or for individual USGS researchers¿ seasonal requirements. The Government intends to award this requirement noncompetitively in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) and the procedures of FAR Part 12, entitled, ¿Acquisition of Commercial Items.¿ The San Diego Zoo is the only laboratory known to the USGS capable of performing the required tests with the level of quality and consistency necessary.

Other interested, qualified sources may submit a capabilities statement to the Contracting Officer, Cheryl Ciccarelli via email at cciccarelli@usgs.gov for purposes of determining whether competitive opportunities exist. Capabilities statements must specifically address the requirements described above and must be received not later than close of business local time July 27, 2016 to be considered for this immediate acquisition.

NAICS 541940 (laboratory testing services, veterinary); PSC B534 (wildlife studies).