Notice of Intent to negotiate sole source a Service Contract with the National Sunflower Association to acquire sunflower germplasm lines from a group of public and private research organizations and submit them for SNP marker deveolpement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Northern Plains Area, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis for a Service Contract with the National Sunflower Association to acquire sunflower germplasm lines from a group of public and private research organizations and submit them to a company that specializes in SNP marker development; under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. This is a notice of intent and is not a request for competitive quotations or proposals. No solicitation is available. Firms that believe they can provide this equipment/system are encouraged to identify themselves and provide a substantive statement with descriptive literature and any other supporting information to the Contracting Officer within 15 days of publication of this notice. All information received within 15 days of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government to determine if the alternative equipment/system meets the Government's requirements and is capable of performing the intended task(s). All responses must be in writing and may be faxed to the attention of James C. Wiltse, fax 970-492-7031, or email at james.wiltse@ars.usda.gov. Questions concerning this acquisition must be directed to James C. Wiltse, email james.wiltse@ars.usda.gov. This notice of intent to negotiate on a sole source basis is made subject to the availability of funds, funds are not currently available for this acquisition, and if funds do become available the Government will go forward with this acquisition.