Dr. Block Oct 27, 2010 JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THEN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 13.106(b)(1), FAR 6.302-3(a)(2)(ii). 1. Agency: South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy Division and the VISN 17 Contracting Office (10N17/671C), 7400 Merton Minter, San Antonio, TX 78229. 2. Description of Action: Description of Action: ACOS for Research is currently addressing “The VA Career Development (CDA-2) Study of Dr. Karen Block entitled “Role of NAD (P) H Oxidases in Renal Cell Carcinoma? (Protocol 0712-001). An extension for service is required between the STVHCS/ALMD Research & Development and XENOGEN Bioscience ( Now known as TACONIC) to generate a novel Transgenic Animal Model over-expressing p22PHOX in Renal proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells in an inducible manner during the period of 1 November 2010 through October 31, 2011 and one (1) option year 1 November 2011 through October 31, 2012. 3. Description of Service: Generation of genetically-modified mice. The CDA-2 Award held by the applicant is focused on the role of p22phox-based Nox oxidases in mediating renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It has been determined that p22phox is up-regulated early in human RCC and may be an important step in the pathogenesis of this kidney cancer. To this end, our work has progressed from in to in vivo animal model. Here, we have designed a transgenic (Tg) mouse strategy to over-express p22phox in the proximal tubular epithelial cells (the cell type in which RCC is derived) of mice (Tg p22phox) to examine the phenotypic changes that occur in this tissue. Additionally, our transgenic strategy incorporates an inducible gene driven by doxycycline. This strategy is a novel approach to understand the mechanisms by which p22phox-based Nox oxidases contribute to this cancer. XENOGEN Bioscience/TACONIC is a known agency with advanced technologies in generating animal models of this nature. The design, construction and generation of a transgenic mouse are a multistep processes that are delivered in phases and compensated for as progress of the project is made. The estimated length of time to generate the mice is ~1.5 years and another 0.5-1 year to screen the lines for proper functional analysis. The estimated value for this service is $40,000.00. 4. Authority: IAW FAR 13.106(b) (1), FAR 6.302-3(a) (2) (ii) and with statutory authority 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(3)(B) and 41 U.S.C. 253(c) (3) (B). 5. Proposed Contractors Unique Capabilities: XENOGEN Bioscience/Taconic offers custom generation of a wide range of mouse models, using a variety of advanced technologies - enabling the users to obtain the precise models needed. Through a powerful combination of industry-leading technology in mouse genetics and genomics and unrivaled expertise in breeding and distribution, Taconic provide easy access to the tools needed, in understanding the contributing mechanisms to diseases. Taconic’s has an excellent reputation in delivering generated mice to many institutions in a timely manner. 6. Sources Sought Effort: There were no vendors listed in FSS for this type of service. The Government’s efforts to stimulate competition were shown in its issuance of a Fed Biz Ops notice on October 26, 2010. As a result of the posting no interest was generated. This requirement was advertised with intent to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of 6.302, as required by FAR 5.203. However, it was noted that if a firm believed it could meet these requirements they were to furnish information about their services, as well as references from other customers who have utilized their services. Supporting evidence was to be furnished in sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to comply with the above requirement. The Government asserts its standing that this requirement can only be provided by XENOGEN Bioscience/TACONIC. For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available. 7. Determination of Price Reasonableness: Search results in GSA Advantage E-buy, Fed Biz Ops, and the Internet provided no sources for a reasonable expectation of ability to provide this type of service. The need to contract for this particular animal model was determined by STVHCS research mission and current market rates. Also taken in consideration were STVHCSs research expert’s opinions and the costs sustained by the contractor. The cost to the Government for this service is determined to be fair and reasonable. 8. Market Research: ACOS for Research has indicated that there is no comparable service available commercially that provides Transgenic animal models of p22phox expressing in an inducible or constitutive manner in proximal tubular epithelial cells, nor is there an animal model for the cause, development, and effects of a disease for kidney cancer in the scientific community. 9. Other Facts: This is a follow-on research program that requires using the same contractor to maintain experimental consistency. The change in contractor using different techniques is likely to skew the results of the experiment and invalidate the results of the project. Doing so would be a waste of time, effort and funding. Previous PO# 671-D50046, D95133) 10. Listing of Sources: Not applicable. 11. Statement of Action to Remove Barriers to Competition: Only one responsible source is intended under authorities of FAR 6.302-3(a) (2)(ii), 13.106(b)(1). 12. I hereby certify that the justification provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
