A -- Taipea MDMA Usage Study

The Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Tri-Service General Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan for a project titled - Taipea MDMA Usage Study. Tri-Service General Hospital will conduct clinical studies relating to the abuse dependence and adverse sequelae relevant to MDMA and methamphetamine usage. We anticipate a 2-year contract to conduct qualitative research on club drug usage in the Taipei, Taiwan area as part of an ongoing epidemiological study, including measurements relating to the deleterious, neurological, and psychiatric consequences of drug use. Expertise is required in obtaining and interpreting chemical measurements on drug levels and metabolites and neurological, neuroimaging (fMRI) and pathological examinations. This selected contractor has in place the infrastructure necessary to generate and maintain computer-based records of demographic information on all participants (age, gender, race, SES). Statutory authority to justify this procurement is 41 U.S.C. 253 (c)(1) as set forth in the FAR 6.320-1, Only One Responsible Source. Inherent duplication of cost to the Government and unacceptable delays in providing the required services make competition unfeasible. See Numbered Note 22 and 26.