A -- SPECIALTY NETWORK LABORATORY CAPABILITY

This is a request for information (RFI) only. There is no solicitation available. This request is for planning purposes only, and does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, a Request for Proposals, a Solicitation, or a Request for Quotes. It is not an indication the government will contract for the services contained in this RFI. The government shall not reimburse respondents for any costs associated with submission of the information being requested or reimburse expenses incurred to interested parties for responses to this RFI. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201(e), this notice serves as a request for information for scientific and technical support services to support the U.S. Air Force in carrying out its mission. The USAF may have a requirement for expertise and work effort in the following areas: (1) Molecular biology to include genetic screening using real time PCR techniques, genetic sequencing, and micro-array technologies; (2) Microbial culture; (3) Immunology to include protein screening, mass spectrometry technologies (including MS to the Nth technologies); (4) Separation of biological materials of interest from complex sample matrices; (5) Meteorological support to include models of transport and diffusion processes; and (6) Additional technical areas of interest which may be identified. The purpose of this RFI is to receive industry feedback regarding the accomplishment of the above tasks. A generic management approach is desired to provide the necessary resources, under one contract, that would provide the expertise for successful performance in these areas. Rather than a - one firm solution, with expertise in all of the above areas, an understanding is requested of Industry's approach to managing a team of resources (e.g., contractors, laboratories) that would also support the rapid acquisition of additional resources as new tasks, technologies and/or capabilities are identified. The government is not interested in any team that a member of industry could assemble and respond with, but rather the overall approach a firm would utilize in minimizing costs and managing a complex and ever-changing environment that would provide the resources for the above tasks along with the flexibility for accessing new resources as required. Only nonproprietary information should be submitted. Any proprietary information submitted will be returned to the sending party and not reviewed. Interested respondents having questions with respect to the information requested in the RFI should direct them in writing to the contract specialist daniel.gill@patrick.af.mil. All communication regarding this RFI, including submissions, should be in writing and submitted to the contact above. Responses to this Request for Information are not required but are highly encouraged as your suggestions and comments will be especially valuable if the government develops an acquisition strategy.