Scanning Electron Microscopy of Azadinium

NFFP7210-15-03018RDS

***NOAA's Acquisition & Grants Office, Western Acquisition Division-Boulder, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with the Alfred Wegner Institute, Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Biology of Bremerhaven, Germany for assisting NOAA National Marine Fisheries (NMF) with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of seawater samples for the isolation and characterization of the marine algae, Azadinium, an organism whose toxin can be concentrated in shellfish and can cause azaspiracid poisoning in humans.

***The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries (NMF) requirement for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of seawater samples for the isolation and characterization of the marine algae, Azadinium, an organism whose toxin can be concentrated in shellfish and can cause azaspiracid poisoning in humans. The Alfred Wegner Institute, Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Biology is the only entity that employs Dr. Urban Tillmann, the world's foremost expert in identifying Azadinium using both light microscopy and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). He has successfully identified Azadinium in several regions, including the North Atlantic, South America, and the Arctic. In an internet search of scanning electron microscopy of Azadinium, all references and publications have Dr. Tillmann's name on them. The Alfred Wegner Institute is fully equipped for high resolution microscopy. The period of performance is from the date of award through September 30, 2016, plus two (2) one-year option periods.

***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Such documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.