A -- COLLABORATIVE CLINICAL RESEARCH

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE. Under the authority of FAR 6.302-3(a)(2), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, ALOSH, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV intends to award, on a sole source basis, a purchase order to the West Virginia University, Department of Pediatrics. West Virginia University and its associated WVU Research Corporation are nonprofit educational and research organizations and by performing the activities specified under this contract, NIOSH would be establishing essential new research capabilities, validated noninvasive tests for monitoring inflammatory status and immune function in human subjects. The primary reason why this contract should be noncompetitively negotiated with West Virginia University Research Corporation is its geographic proximity to NIOSH-Morgantown. Its close proximity to NIOSH will allow NIOSH investigators to be directly involved in the recruitment of study subjects and collection of research samples. In addition, it will make it possible for these samples to be immediately transported to NIOSH laboratories for evaluation. This is extremely important as delays in sample processing imposed by shipping of samples can in many cases affect research results. This is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation is available. Organizations that believe they can provide the required services are encouraged to identify themselves to the Contracting Officer within 10 days from the posting date of this notice. Interested parties shall provide documentation which demonstrates that they have the expertise and capabilities necessary to meet the stated requirements. Please forward capabilities and supporting information to: Brenda L. Goodwin., Reference: #HELD03S0021, DHHS, PHS, CDC, NIOSH, ALOSH, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will solely be used for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. If no affirmative responses are received within 10 days, award will be made to WVU Research Corporation. All information received will be considered by the Government.