Development of Broadly-Reactive Monoclonal Antibodies to Fentanyl Analogs

This is a notice of intent to award a sole source contract and is not a request for competitive proposals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) hereby announces its intent to award a sole source contract to Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 501 10th Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 for the acquisition of services under the project titled: "Development of Broadly-Reactive Monoclonal Antibodies to Fentanyl Analogs". The statutory authority for this sole source acquisition is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) in accordance with FAR Part 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy the agency requirement. The NAICS code for this acquisition is 541690, Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services. The period of performance for this procurement is 8 months. The purpose of this procurement is to The objective of this project is to synthesize virus-like particle (VLP) conjugates displaying various fentanyl analogs and immunize mice with them. Spleens from immunized mice will be used to develop a panel of antibodies with high affinity to most fentanyl analogs. These antibodies will be incorporated into various tests to improve our current diagnostic and screening capabilities. Market research was conducted to find a vendor with the capabilities to complete this requirement. The Finn Research Group at Georgia Tech Research Corporation is the only organization with the technical expertise to identify key fentanyl derivatives representing the structural diversity of fentabyl analogs and synthesize virus-like particles (VLP) immunogens using these analogs. This organization possesses the expertise to implement mouse immunization schemes for optimal antibody production within the one-year timeframe required for this work. The Finn Group's proven publication track record and close proximity to CDC makes them an ideal partner to handle all aspects of this project, including delivery of immunized mouse spleens to the CDC for antibody development. Other vendors were considered, but they lacked experience with small molecule synthesis and their distance creates logistic challenges. In order to maintain the continuity and quality of reagents necessary for this project for incorporation into future CLIA methods, this laboratory must synthesize and develop virus-like particle immunogens and antibody screening reagents for fentanyl analogs and quickly deliver immunized mouse spleens to the CDC for antibody development. No other vendor is able to meet the Government's requirements. As a result of this synopsis, no competitive solicitation will be posted on FedBizOpps.com. We will only issue a solicitation to Georgia Tech Research Corporation. However, all responsible sources who believe they can meet these requirements, may submit their capabilities and/or qualifications to Tonya S. Justice, Contracting Officer, via email to TJustice@cdc.gov, no later than 10:00am eastern standard time on January 29, 2019. Reference solicitation number 75D301-19-Q-69693 in the subject line of the email. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action will be based on responses to this notice and is solely in the discretion of the Contracting Officer. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.