The United STates of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) intends to make a sole souce award to Altson & Bird Law Office, located in Baltimore Maryland for the services of legal expertise and to defend the interest of the USDA/ARS/Beltsville Agricultural Research Center.  The work will be continuous in nature until the dispute is resolved or settled between parties.  Services will be determined by the legal nature of the case.  An open and ongoing process will best service the Government in this particular matter. 

Because of the specificity of this matter in which Alson & Byrd has served as agency counsel for several years now, this law office is the only entity that continue the ongoing arbitration process as they are already thoroughly familiar with the pertinent files, documents, and Agency personnel. 

Failure to continue with the respresentation by Alston & Byrd will jeapardize the Agency's legal strategy that has already been in place for several years, as well as result in legal and economic efficiencies to the Agency.

Anticipated Date of Award 9/22/11.