Procurement of marmoset non-human primates

The US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304 (1), with Harlan Bioproducts for Science Inc. for purchase of Marmoset non-human primates. Marmosets from the Harlan UK breeding colony were used previously at USAMRIID in a study that requires further research by reproducing previous experimental results. Due to the suspected genetic differences among marmosets it is important that the non-human primates are obtained from the Harlan UK breeding colony. Recently, marmosets from another vendor were used and the results were unanticipated and different than those previously described using marmosets from the Harlan UK colony. Further background revealed that the marmoset colonies from the different vendors might likely have genetic differences. In order to verify this hypothesis, marmosets from the Harlan UK colony are needed. The marmosets from this colony are needed in order to advance the development of important vaccine candidates for Rift Valley fever virus. The Harlan Bioproducts for Science's is uniquely qualified to meet the Government's need as they have maintained the colony for over twenty years with specific breeding practices that have maintained the genetic purity of their marmoset population . USAMRIID will fail to meet a major project milestone if the non-human primates are not obtained from the Harlan UK colony. No solicitation package will be issued. However, responses received by October 7, 2011, will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a future competitive procurement.