A--Microbiological Screening of Rats, Mice, Guinea Pigs, and Animal Products for Murine Pathogens

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) plans to negotiate a sole-source contract modification with BioReliance, Inc. under Contract No. 273-99-I-0018 to extend the current agreement. This extension, authorized under 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), aims to complete the primary task of microbiological screening for murine pathogens in rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, and related animal products. The period of performance for this extension is expected to begin on August 1, 2005, and conclude by October 30, 2005, with NIEHS setting a ceiling on the estimated cost. This notice signals the intent to modify the existing contract and is not a solicitation for proposals. Key contacts for this contract include James E Patterson, Contract Specialist, and Antoinette C Bridges, Deputy Director, OA. The work will continue under the established contract framework, focusing on the critical task of ensuring the animal subjects and products are free from specific microbial contaminants, thus supporting NIEHS’s research and operational needs.