Notice of intent to award sole-source contract

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 enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) tests for mycoplasmas, cultures for mycoplasmas, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for isolates of mycoplasmas, Western blot tests, and dilution curves.

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 University of Florida, specifically the Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida at Gainesville. Scientists at the Mycoplasma Research Laboratory there, specifically Dr. Mary Brown and Dr. L. Wendland, developed and validated the tests for mycoplasmas for desert tortoises and other species of tortoises in the genus Gopherus; their methodology is in use only at the University of Florida. 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 University of Florida. Please visit http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/college/departments/sacs/research/MycoplasmosisofTortoises.html for additional information.

The proposed action will be an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract with a ceiling not-to-exceed $499,000.00 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 action may be awarded on a sole-source basis under the authority of 41 USC 253(c)(1), as implemented at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. The University of Florida is the only laboratory known to the USGS capable of performing the required tests with the level of quality and consistency necessary. After award, as required by 41 USC 253(j) and FAR 6.305, the full justification and approval document for this proposed sole-source action will be made available for public inspection.

Other interested, qualified sources may submit a capabilities statement to the Contracting Officer via email at jcaravelli@usgs.gov for the 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 Friday, 23 September 2011 to be considered for this immediate acquisition.

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