Animal Feed & Bedding

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) and the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), located on the Walter Reed National Military Medical Campus (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, MD, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Harlan Laboratories N.A., Inc. for laboratory animal feed and bedding. This order is being procured in accordance with FAR Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Items) and FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). Sole source determination is made in accordance with: FAR Part 13.106-1 Soliciting Competition (b) Soliciting from a single source (1) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available. The laboratory animals have been fed and housed on Harlan Laboratories products since their arrival at USUHS and AFRRI. The current animals have been acclimated to Harlan products and prior studies have generated data based on Harlan Products. Switching food and bedding would introduce subclinical physiological changes, causing variables that could negatively impact ongoing and future research. The types of research being conducted include molecular biology, neurobiology, neuropsychology and infectious disease. Harlan Laboratories currently provides specific animal feed and bedding (Teklad Global 20% Protein Primate Diet Jumbo, Teklad Rodent Diet and Teklad "Maple" Sani Chip Bedding), which have a predictable quality control and influence on the outcome of research. Changing vendors would add uncertain variability into experimental animal conditions which could have a detrimental effect on the course of research. This is not a request for quotes and a solicitation package will not be issued. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Responses must be submitted electronically, via email, to contact@example.gov by 4:00 PM (EST) on March 16, 2012.