This is a Small Business Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of qualified small business sources; (2) whether they are Small Businesses; HUBZone Small Businesses; Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Businesses; 8(a) Small Businesses; Veteran-Owned Small Businesses; Woman-Owned Small Businesses; or Small Disadvantaged Businesses; and (3) their size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. An organization that is not considered a small business under the applicable NAICS code should not submit a response to this notice. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is seeking capability statements from small businesses having in-house capability to develop methodologies and to perform in vivo rodent behavioral pharmacology for other drug dependence disorders, using drug self-administration reinstatement models. The object of this contract is to determine the in vivo efficacy of novel compounds in animal models of relapse using cocaine, nicotine, methamphetamine, or opioids. This includes the following tests in animals trained to self-administer cocaine (for example): (1) the ability of test compound to block footshock or other stress-induced reinstatement of responding after a period of experimental extinction; (2) the ability of a test compound to block priming-induced reinstatement of responding after a period of extinction; and (3) the ability of a test compound to block the effects of a conditioned cue (previously paired with the training drug) to reinstate responding for the training drug (cocaine, nicotine, methamphetamine, or an opioid) after a period of extinction. Due to the nature of the compounds which will be evaluated under this contract, it is mandatory that offerors possess a DEA Research Registration for Schedules II to V in order to handle substances under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. In addition, the successful offeror must either possess, or demonstrate the ability to obtain, a DEA registration for Schedule I controlled substances. Capability statements must indicate your current DEA registration for working with Schedules II-V controlled substances. All work performed must comply with the NIH guidelines on the care and use of laboratory animals, and the laboratory must be operated according to the FDA's Good Laboratory Practices Program. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: In order to handle substances under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, it is mandatory that the successful Offeror possess a DEA Research Registration for Schedules II to V and demonstrate the capability to obtain a DEA registration for Schedule I controlled substances. CAPABILITY STATEMENT/INFORMATION SOUGHT: The established NAICS code is 541715. Information submitted should be relevant and specific in the technical area under consideration, on each of the following qualifications: 1) Experience: An outline of previous similar projects, specifically the techniques employed in the areas described above; 2) Personnel: Name, professional qualifications and specific experience in the work requested and knowledge of, and experience in, the field of drug abuse research; 3) Facilities: Availability and description of the facilities and equipment required to conduct this type of work; 4) demonstrated capability to obtain the DEA registrations discussed above. Also, we will consider appropriateness of professional and technical personnel classifications; any other specific and relevant information about this particular area of procurement that would improve our consideration and evaluation of the information presented. Organizations should demonstrate capability to administer and coordinate interrelated tasks in an effective and timely manner. Documentation may include, but is not limited to, government and commercial contracts the organization performed, references (i.e., names, titles, telephone numbers) and any other information serving to document the organization's capability (e.g., awards, commendations, etc.). All capability statements must provide the following: 1) company name and address; 2) point of contact; 3) phone/fax/email; 4) NAICS Code(s); 5) business size and status; 6) capability information in response to the requirement and qualifications identified in this notice; and 7) type of small business your organization classifies itself as (i.e.: Women-Owned, HUBZone, etc.). Written capability statements must be RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 2:00 PM, EST, November 21, 2018, and mailed to the Contracting Office Address below, Attn: Tracy Cain. Electronic capability statements will be accepted by the primary point of contact. THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. This notice does not obligate 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. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. 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).
