65 -- Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Test Kits

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) plans to award a sole source contract to Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Life Science Group, based in Hercules, California, for the procurement of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Test Kits. This contract will be issued using Commercial and Simplified Acquisition Procedures under the authority of FAR 6.302, allowing negotiation with only one source due to the specialized nature of the supplies. The action reflects the government's intent to secure these test kits exclusively from Bio-Rad Laboratories, given their unique capability in providing the required products. While this notice of intent is not an invitation for competitive proposals, interested parties may submit information demonstrating their interest and capacity to fulfill the requirement. Any such responses will be used solely to determine whether to pursue a competitive procurement. The government retains full discretion regarding the decision not to compete based on the responses received. Key points of contact for this procurement are Patricia Y. Harris and Contracting Officer Robert J.J. Crowther, both available for inquiries related to the contract opportunity.