A -- LIVER PROCUREMENT AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) plans to negotiate a twelve-month extension with the University of Minnesota for Contract No. N01-DK-9-2310, which covers the Liver Tissue Procurement and Distribution System (LTPADS). This system consists of a network of geographically distributed Tissue Collection Centers that provide liver tissue procurement and distribution services. The extension is intended to ensure uninterrupted operation of these services while the competitive follow-on procurement, now renamed the Liver Tissue and Cell Distribution System, is completed. This contract extension is authorized under 41 USC 253 (c)(1) and serves as a bridge to maintain continuity of critical tissue procurement activities. The existing contract supports important biomedical research efforts, and this extension will prevent any service gaps until a new procurement process is finalized. The University of Minnesota remains the primary organization responsible for delivering these services during the extended period.