Continuation of the Development and Maintenance of a Long-term Colony of Hybrid Rats

The National Institute of Aging (NIA) intends to issue a solicitation on a sole source basis to Harlan Laboratories, Inc., entitled "Continuation of the Development and Maintenance of a Long-Term Colony of Hybrid Rats ". The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of FAR 6.302-1 for these services. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, responsible sources may express their interest by submitting a capability statement or proposal. All capability statement/proposals received within fifteen days after date of 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. The purpose of this contract is to continue services currently being provided by Harlan Laboratories under contract HHSN-260-2005-00006C. The Contractor shall continue to maintain and distribute a standing colony of aged, genetically defined Brown Norway (BN) and F344xBN F1 hybrid rats for use by investigators in studies of aging. This colony of hybrid rats is required to be maintained within controlled and defined barrier environments where animals are monitored and characterized for disease status and markers of genetic purity. Development of the colony required acquisition of foundation stock, re-derivation of the stock to ensure that the animals conformed to the required health status, and development of the breeding colonies. This phase took approximately three (3) years. After the breeding colony was up to its required size to provide the requisite entry levels into the restricted colony, animals were entered into the aging colony so that there is a continuous supply available. The research funded by the NIA requires a consistent supply of hybrid rats and three or more year gap in availability of the animals would have a serious effect on NIA-funded studies. Environmental requirements to protect the colony from contamination prevent the transfer of the colony to a new contractor. As it would take 2-3 years to restart the colony from the beginning, re-deriving new foundation stock and building up the breeding colony to sufficient size to provide the requisite entry levels into the aging colony, a responsible source would need to detail the existence of a similar colony of aged BN and F344BN F1 rats currently available for NIA utilization. The proposed contractor is uniquely qualified to perform these services for the NIA based on the following considerations: Harlan Laboratories has provided all the services required to develop, maintain and distribute a standing colony of aged BN and F344BN F1 rats for use by investigators in studies of aging. Harlan Laboratories houses these rodents in barriers to prevent contamination of the colony with disease organisms that would negatively impact the research for which the animals are provided. Precautions include filtering of the air going into the barriers, positive pressure in the barrier rooms to prevent mixing of air between barriers, requirements for staff to shower in and out of the barriers, and sterilization of all materials going into the barriers. No animals are returned to the barriers after leaving the barriers. For these reasons, the existing colony cannot be transferred to a new Contractor. This solicitation was previously advertised under sources sought announcement HHS-NIH-NIDA(AG)-RFP-11-148. The anticipated period of performance is three years. Disclaimer and Important notes: This notice does not commit the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Confidentiality No proprietary, classified, confidential or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s). Current Information Place of Performance Harlan Laboratories 8520 Allison Points Boulevard Indianapolis, Indiana 46250