The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Division of Extramural ResearchActivities (DERA), Office of Acquisitions (OA), for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), intends to negotiate and award a purchase order on a noncompetitive sole source basis to Mr. Derek Hewgill, 12101 Triple Crown Road, North Potomac, Maryland 20878, to continue to provide to the Laboratory of Oral Infection and Immunity Branch, Division of Intramural Research, NIDCR, with professional laboratory support services. As the Contractor, Mr. Hewgill will be responsible for the day to day operation of the FACS Core and Imaging Facility and investigating the study of cell-medicated immunity, which involves purification of cells and testing of their functions both in vitro and in vivo. With nationwide responsibility for improving the health and well being of all Americans, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) oversees the biomedical research programs of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and those NIH?s research component of the NIH division of Intramural Research are dependent upon the FACS Core and Imaging Facility for carrying out its mission to improve the health of the nation. Therefore, it is required that Mr. Derek Hewgill continues to conduct and operate the FACS Core Facility, and maintain quality control on flow cytometers which are used for multi-parameter analytic and preparative studies of the binding fluorescent ligands to suspensions of single cells, nuclei or chromosomes as well as analysis of cells transfected with constructs expressing fluorescently tagged proteins. The Flow cytometers are complex, highly sophisticated instruments, which simultaneously measure cell size and fluorescence at different wavelengths in individual cells. Specifically, the task to be performed by Mr. Hewgill is to continue to provide services on BD Biosciences flow cytometry systems including CellQuest software and with the knowledge of cell sorting, specifically with FACS MO-Flo. Utilization and oversight of this equipment are crucial for the performance of critical research protocols in basic, translational and clinical research. Specimens from patients populations including those with HIV/AIDS, oral squamous cell carcinoma, lymphomas and infectious diseases will be monitored for diagnostic and prognostic purposes to guide their treatment. Mr. Hewgill is expected to stain transfect, analyze and sort rare lymphocyte subpopulations at the single cell level and in bulk for molecular and functional analysis to be performed. He will utilize the most current technology available, and keep careful records of all experiments that are performed. The instrumentation consisted of a three (3) laser, 12 parameter Cytomation MoFlo highspeed sorters, a FACScalibur with four (4) colors options, two( 2) laser capture microscopes and two (2) fluorescent microscopy stations as well as all necessary supporting equipment, computers and software. The Contractor shall perform all studies/experiments for a minimum of 32 hours per week, Monday through Thursday. The Contractor shall evaluate the time and technical requirements for the 15-30 experiments performed weekly and schedules these experiments with the appropriate investigators. The files are to be organized, and maintain with up to date data, and perform data processing in a timely manner, noting sources of experimental error, and operating all relevant equipment as well as noting any malfunction in the equipment. The performance of the contract will be evaluated daily and if the performance considered being substandard in the judgment of the Project Officer, it shall be documented, and corrective measures of improvement shall be accomplished as well. Failure to arrive on time or to follow the schedules or instructions as indicated shall be considered default of the contract. The reference number NHLBI-PB(DE)-2008-103-CDM. The acquisition is being conducted under FAR Part 13, simplified acquisition procedures and the resultant purchase order will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 05-23. The estimated level of effort for this requirement is not expected to exceed 32 hours per week, Monday through Thursday, the period of performance July 1, 2008 thru June 30, 2009. The total estimated amount of this contract is NOT expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $100,000.00. The intended procurement will be classified under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541690 and the small business size standard of $6.5 million. Market Research conducted by the Government in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 10, Market Research, has determined that only Mr. Derek Hewgill can perform the requisite services specified herein. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. The resulting acquisition will be entered into pursuant to the acquisition authority set forth in FAR 6.302-1 and 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) and HHSAR 306-302-1. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The sole source determination is based upon the knowledge, skills and experience of more than 31 years in managing, supervising, and operating, Flowcytometry and Imaging Facilities. An award to any other source would affect the NIH anticipated outcome based upon Mr. Hewgill, experience, and knowledge, and would not provide any cost savings to the Government. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all proposals received within 45 days after publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquires to this notice, referencing number NHLBI-PS-(DE)2008-103-CDM, may be submitted to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Office of Acquisitions, Procurement Branch, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 6042, Bethesda, MD 20892-7902, Attention: Cecilia D. Morales. Inquiries may be submitted electronically to moralesc@nhlbi.nih.gov and by fax to (301) 480- 3345. Responses will only be accepted if dated and signed by an authorized company representative.
