The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, 820 Chandler St., Fort Detrick, Maryland, 21702, intends to award a sole source contract to Metabolon, Inc. for the study of metabolomic effects of heavy metal exposure in rats for the U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research (USACEHR). The proposed contract action is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the statutory authority 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(2). The FAR citation is 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

USACEHR is currently establishing a Microbiome Program that will ultimately use humanized animal models to identify biomarkers of environmental toxicant exposure. For the current study, however, we are utilizing a rat model to investigate signatures of heavy metal exposure. One of the important facets of our investigations is the detection of metabolomic markers of exposure. We require the ability to measure the changes in as many cellular metabolites as possible in order to maximize the successful detection of candidate biomarkers that are indicative of exposure. Furthermore, as lipids play critical roles in the cell, the ability to fully quantitate intact lipids from major lipid classes is an important aspect that will enhance the probability of completing our objectives. In order to successfully deliver candidate biomarkers, we must be able to assess a large number of cellular metabolites and lipids, at a very high level of detail.

Only Metabolon is capable of providing analysis at the level of detail required. Metabolon has a library of 3,500 metabolites and over 9,000 unnamed molecules. In addition, only Metabolon can provide the caliber of quantitative lipid analysis required with over 500 measured species from 13 lipid classes. The Government's market research has failed to identify any other sources who are capable of meeting these requirements.

RFQ W81XWH-15-T-0150 will be issued on a sole source basis. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 541712 and the small business size standard is 500 employees. Any sources that believe they are eligible to provide these services must respond in writing or respond to the RFQ. Responses must be supported with clear and convincing evidence articulating the ability to provide the items outlined above. A request for documentation will not be considered an affirmative response. Information received will be considered solely for the purposes of determining whether a competitive procurement is in the best interest of the Government. If no written responses are received by the date listed below, which reflects fifteen (15) days after the publication of this notice, the purchase order will be awarded without further remark.

All questions and responses concerning this notice shall be emailed to Ms. Samantha Connors at [email protected]. Interested concerns must identify their capability to the above email address no later than 4:00 PM Eastern Time, 15 May 2014.

Bid Protests Not Available