A -- Biological Testing Facility

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT, NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. A SOLICITATION DOCUMENT WILL NOT BE ISSUED AND PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE REQUESTED. The National Institute Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Office of Acquisitions, The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Branch, intends to negotiate a sole source, 6-month contract extension in order to avoid a lapse in contract performance and continue operations of the Biological Testing Facility (BTF). The extension is required because of delays in the planned competitive follow-on acquisition. The planned extension will permit the BTF to continue to function while a competitive acquisition for these services is conducted. The current requirement for a BTF is fulfilled through a contract with Bioqual Incorporated, under contract N01-HD-23338. The BTF performs a wide range of screens, assays, safety tests and analytical procedures for the evaluation of new drugs, formulations and delivery systems relevant to endocrine and anti-fertility activity of compounds that are provided by the Government and management of data obtained in support of the contraceptive and reproductive health development program of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). AUTHORITY: 41 U.S.C. 253(c) (1), as set forth in FAR 6.302-1(a) (2) (ii) and HHSRA 306.302-1(a) (2) (ii) A and B. Planned clinical trials are dependent on the outcomes of tests performed at this facility. If the testing facility is not available for testing new compounds planned clinical trials will be delayed. As a result, substantial duplication of costs to the Government which are not expected to be recovered through competition would occur. In addition, postponement of clinical trials will result in unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency?s requirements. However, if there are sources who feel they are able to perform the requirement, they must respond by submitting information required in Numbered Note 22 within 45 days of publication of this synopsis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The capability statement will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Overnight deliveries should be mailed to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Contracts Management Branch, 6100 Executive Boulevard, Suite 7AO7, Bethesda, Maryland 20852. No collect calls or facsimile transmissions will be accepted.