This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation, Notice of Intent. The Agriculture Research Service (ARS) of the United States Department of Agriculture intends to issue an award to DW Duitscher, Rolfe, IA 50581-8553. This is a sole source procurement pursuant to the authority of FAR 6.302-1. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. This is a requirement of the National Animal Disease Center (NADC), USDA at Ames, IA for 12 Bred Holstein Heifers that are due to calf in September 2012. Heifers must be healthy and have been tested negative for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) and Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV). The heifers are intended for use in mastitis research. The heifers must be within a 200 mile radius for delivery within an acceptable time frame to avoid transport related health issues. The heifers are only available through DW Duitscher. No telephone inquiries will be accepted. Interested parties should submit written (mail or e-mail) responses including prices and technical data sufficient to determine capability to meet the entire requirement and must be received in this office within 10 calendar days after publication of this notice. It should be noted that no contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice, but will be used to determine if a comparable source more advantageous to the Government is available. If no affirmative written responses are received, negotiations will be held with DW Duitscher without further notice. This acquisition is being conducted under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION: Upon the basis of the following justification, I, as a Contracting Officer, hereby approve the use of other than full and open competition for the proposed contractual action pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S. C.2304(c)(1), FAR Subpart 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. JUSTIFICATION: 1. Agency and Contracting Activity (FAR 6.303-2(b)(1)). a. USDA, AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, NATIONAL ANIMAL DISEASE CENTER, Ames, IA location. 2. Nature/Description of Action(s) (FAR 6.303-2(b)(2)). a. This contracting action is to obtain 12 Bred Holstein Heifers to be used for research purposes. 3. Description of Supplies/Services (FAR 6.303-2(b)(3)). a. 12 bred Holstein heifers that are due to calf in September 2012. Heifers must be healthy and have been tested negative for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) and Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV). The heifers are intended for use in mastitis research. The heifers must be within a 200 mile radius for delivery within an acceptable time frame to avoid transport related health issues. Estimated value in excess of $25,000.00. 4. Identification of Statutory Authority (FAR 6.303-2(b)(4)). a. 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), FAR Subpart 6.302-1. The supplies or services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. 5. Demonstration of Contractor's Unique Qualifications (FAR 6.303-2(b)(5)). a. Only one responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services will satisfy Agency Requirements (FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)) (1) FAR 6.302-1(a)(2) states, When the supplies or services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source, or, for DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard, from only one or a limited number of responsible sources, and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, full and open competition need not be provided for. (2) The named vendor maintains NADC's genetic requirement and is within an agreeable travel distance from the Center. Transport time has to be at a minimum due to the health of the animals. Heifers are needed for mastitis research and must calf within a given time frame. The vendor has proven to provide heifers with acceptable health standards, and previous research has utilized heifers from this vendor. Heifers must be healthy and have been tested negative for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) and Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV). Obtaining heifers from a different source may introduce new variables to ongoing research that my lead to increased variability. 6. Federal Business Opportunities FedBizOpps.gov (FBO) Announcement/Potential Sources (FAR 6.303-2(b)(6). a. A Federal Business Opportunities Synopsis is published in an attempt to identify other possible vendors of the required consumable. b. USDA/ARS does not anticipate other qualified sources; however, should any responses be received, they will be evaluated to determine if they can meet future needs of the Government. 7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost (FAR 6.303-2(b)(7). a. A Fair and Reasonable determination has been made based on past purchases of similar heifers. 8. Description of Market Research (FAR 6.303-2(b)(8). a. USDA/ARS is consistently surveying the market, and from this experience knows that the consumable is BVDV and BLV negative, meets acceptable genetic, transport, and calving requirements, and is only available from this vendor. 9. Any Other Supporting Facts (FAR 6.303-2(b)(9). a. Due to the nature of the consumable needed to perform the research, at this time there is only one source available. 10. Listing of Interested Sources (FAR 6.303-2(b)(10). a. No other sources are available at this time. 11. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition (FAR 6.303-2(b)(11). a. Active vendor searches and surveys are completed in order to identify other potential sources. If competition occurs in the future and maintaining genetic consistency is not required for a given research project, testing of additional heifer's resource herds can be performed. Other sources will be identified if they meet our transport requirements. 12. Technical Requirements and Certifications; (FAR 6.303-1(a) and FAR 6.303-2(b) a. I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this justification and which from a basis for this justification are complete and accurate. CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION: (FAR 6.303-1(a), 6.303-2(b)(12) I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Name: Stacie L. Black Title: Contracting Officer
