Human Serum Samples

The contract involves a notice of intent to award a sole-source purchase order to Tufts Medical Center for obtaining human serum samples from patients testing positive and negative for C6 Lyme disease. This procurement will be conducted without competitive bidding under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures according to FAR Part 13 and commercial item guidelines under FAR Part 12. The acquisition falls under NAICS code 541711 with a small business size standard of 500 employees. The CDC's Division of Vector-Borne Diseases will negotiate and award the contract exclusively to Tufts Medical Center, using this sole-source approach, but will consider capabilities statements submitted to demonstrate ability to fulfill the requirement. The goal of the contract is to provide serum samples from C6 positive Lyme disease patients and similar symptomatic patients testing C6 negative to support medical research or testing needs. Deborah T. Workman is the designated Contract Specialist handling the communication and will review any submitted statements via email, although the notice is not a formal request for competitive proposals. The final decision not to open competition remains at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. All procedural actions comply with federal acquisition regulations, ensuring streamlined and focused procurement of these specialized biological samples.