AN91--Intent to sole source - -CrownBioScience (VA-20-00031926)

The Department of Veterans Affairs, South Texas VA Health Care System, plans to negotiate a sole source contract with Crown Biosciences to conduct efficacy testing of palmatine, both alone and in combination with a standard treatment agent, for preventing pancreatic tumor growth. This study will utilize a molecular and biochemical marker approach in biospecimens from four patient-derived xenograft organoid (PDXO) models. Crown Biosciences is uniquely qualified for this work as it has developed over 100 PDXO models with comprehensive genomic sequencing, a critical factor for selecting appropriate pre-clinical models. No other companies have been identified that possess the requisite number of validated models for this research. This notice serves as an intent to sole source and is not a solicitation for competitive proposals. However, any responsible party who believes they can fulfill the requirements may submit a capability statement by the stated deadline. Responses must be submitted via email to the contracting officer, Lynn Portman, with no telephone communication accepted. The government retains full discretion regarding whether to proceed with a sole source award based on the responses received. The contracting office is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the contract is associated with the NAICS code 541715, covering research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences.