A--Blood Sample Analysis

Introduction: Pursuant to FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1), the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, on behalf of the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (ARIEM), intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to: Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE. RESPONSES WILL BE USED FOR FUTURE ACQUISITIONS ONLY. 1. Nature and description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs: This contract will provide human blood sample analysis on twelve additional subjects for the research protocol entitled Dietary modulation of oxygen sensor reactivity to mimic altitude acclimatization. 2. A demonstration that the proposed contractor is the only source available to provide these services or goods (i.e. unique qualifications, proprietary rights, etc.): This is a continuation of analysis. Pennington previously analyzed samples from eight subjects. Analysis of the above twelve subjects will complete the data set. It is imperative that the same lab perform the analysis for consistency and quality control purposes. 3. A description of the market research that was conducted and the results, or a statement of the reason a market research was not conducted: Pennington was identified after consultations with other scientists who conduct similar research studies and have similar analyses requirements. Previous and current users have indicated that Pennington is, by far, the best value available to analyze our blood samples. They are highly regarded for their professionalism, accuracy, and sample analyses timeliness. They allow flexibility for shipping the blood samples as we collect them based on our testing schedule (e.g., ten samples this week, 4 samples next week, etc). Moreover, to minimize the chances that each individual blood sample might be shipped in the wrong or inappropriate containers, Pennington provides individualized and coded labeled containers. To our knowledge, no previous or current user has been dissatisfied with their service. 4. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition: Pennington provides the highest quality analyses available, and has a well-known reputation for their quality work and their rapid turnaround. All of the required analytical tools and equipment arc currently available to analyze all of the requested assays in one location. 5. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required: None 6. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement to the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division via e-mail to: contact@example.gov no later than 5:00 PM (EST) on August 7, 2011. Contracting Office Address: RDECOM Contracting Center - Natick CCAP-SCN, Natick Contracting Division Kansas Street, Building 1 Natick, MA 01760-5011 Point of Contact: Steven Streeter, Contract Specialist +1 (555) 000-0000 contact@example.gov