Sole source justification

Added: Sep 13, 2016 2:17 pm

USDA, ARS, Pullman, WA intends to award a sole source purchase order to Atlanta Biologicals for Fetal Bovine Serum.   

This contract is a continuation of research for Animal Disease Research Unit (ADRU).  This is an ongoing research project that has been working since 2011.  These cell culture systems are central to the infectious disease research our group performs.  All of our cell culture protocols require this serum, and our cells are well adapted to this specific serum and grow well in it.  We performed extensive testing on the fetal bovine serum from Atlanta Biologicals to confirm that it is free of infectious agents that would confound our studies, and confirm that it is compatible with the metabolic needs of our cell lines of interest. 

There are other vendors who can provide a serum and their ssrum’s were looked at in 2011 when ADRU started purchasing from Atlanta Biologicals.  At the time Atlanta Biologicals provided the best value to the Government. 

Because this is a continuation of a project using another vendor’s serum would change the results of the research.  The past five years of research would not be compatible with a vendor who also provides a similar serum.

Our justification to award is in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1 - Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

All inquiries on this action can be submitted in writing via email to brian.fien@ars.usda.gov NO LATER THAN 16 September 2016 @ 11:30PM PST. All information shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the Government.