The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) located on the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in Bethesda, MD, in support of a project to generate Neurog1-loxP knock-in mice for conditional Neurog1 gene deletion, has a requirement for the generation of a conditional Neurog1 knockout mouse model. The experimental aim of this project is to study longitudinal effects of Neurog1 deletion in postnatal mice - conventional knockout mutation of Neurog1 is neonatal lethal in mice. See attached Specifications document for details.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This request for quotes (RFQ) for commercial items is in accordance with FAR Part 12 - Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures. It will be the responsibility of the contractor to check the website http://www.fbo.gov for the issuance of any amendments to the solicitation. This RFQ incorporates all provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-49 (effective 31 January 2011).

This solicitation is for full and open competition under the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 541711 - Research and Development in Biotechnology.

Each quote must provide a total estimated timeline to completion and identify expected/anticipated milestones for the progression of this project. Note that contractors may bill the Government at the completion of each milestone or upon contract completion. The CLIN structure for this requirement will be based upon the milestones proposed. See example below:

CLIN          Description                 Total Cost (to follow each CLIN description)

0001         Milestone I (with estimated completion time from date of award)
0002         Milestone II (with estimated completion time from previous milestone)
0003         Milestone III (with estimated completion time from previous milestone)
0004         Milestone IV (with estimated completion time from previous milestone)
0005         Milestone V (estimated completion time if final milestone from date
of award)

See attached provisions and clauses. The Government will award a single award, firm fixed price purchase order. To be eligible for award, a contractor must register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database.

Quotes are due on or before 4:30pm EST on Monday, 28 March 2011. Quotes must be submitted via email to [email protected]. Quotes received after this 28 March 2011 deadline, or via any means other than email will not be evaluated. Quotes must contain a cover sheet containing the solicitation number of this combined synopsis/solicitation, contractor's DUNS number, Tax ID number, contractor point of contact, and acknowledgement of last amendment noted above.

The date to submit questions/clarifications has been moved to 4:30pm EST on 11 March 2011.

All questions/clarifications in reference to this RFQ must be submitted via email to the Contract Specialist, Melissa T. Marcellus, at [email protected], no later than 4:30pm EST on Monday, 11 March 2011. Only electronic submissions of questions/clarifications will be accepted. Questions/clarifications will be addressed in an amendment to the solicitation. Any questions/clarifications submitted after 4:30pm EST on 11 March 2011, or via any means other than what is specified above, will not be answered.

Award will be made to the contractor representing the best value to the Government using tradeoffs between the evaluation factors identified below. The Government is not required to award to the lowest priced contractor or to the contractor quoting the highest technically rated end product.

Quotes received by the deadline of 4:30pm EST on 28 March 2011, will be evaluated using the following evaluation factors:

1. Technical - the contractor's quote, specifically, the identification of milestones (to include the time frame for delivery a report at the completion of each milestone), must illustrate that the contractor has a thorough and complete understanding of the process to generate a conditional Neurog1 knockout mouse model. Quotes will be evaluated on the proposed total timeline to completion of this project and technical approach.

Quotes must also include the contractor's Materials Transfer Agreement, if applicable, identifying any and all restrictions, including, but not limited to, third party usage, data rights, and intent of mice usage.

2. Price - the contractor shall provide total pricing in addition to pricing for each milestone identified in the quote, and include housing, feed, bedding, and shipping charges, as applicable, showing the breakdown of these costs.

3. Corporate Experience - the contractor must provide documentation of corporate experience in generating conditional Neurog1 knockout mouse models, or a range of similar mouse models. Contractors must also provide documentation identifying any publications where generated mouse models were cited.

4. Past Performance - the contractor must provide references for a maximum of five (5) of the most recently completed contracts performed of the same or similar nature for the past three (3) years. Reference information must include a point of contact, with agency name, address, telephone number, email address; contract number; contract amount; as well as the amount of time it took for contract completion.

The Government reserves the right to award without discussions. Each contractor is urged to examine the RFQ and ensure that the submitted quote contains all necessary information, provides all required documentation, and is complete in all aspects.

Bid Protests Not Available