--NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE-SOURCE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CONTRACT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS CENTER FOR NETWORK NEUROSCIENCE IN SUPPORT OF THE DOD JOINT VACCINE ACQUISITION PROGRAM.

NA INFORMATIONAL SYNOPSIS NOTICE: This synopsis is for informational purposes only. The Joint Program Executive Office for Biological Defense, Chemical-Biological-Medical Systems Project Management Office, has a critical requirement to conduct a three-month study of the reliability of cent ral nervous system responses to the administration of Botulinum toxin vaccine serotypes, in support of the Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program. Specifically, the study will test Botulinum neurotoxin serotypes using spontaneously active neuronal networks grow ing on microelectrode assays in vitro. The study will also test established antibodies to prove that such networks represent efficient, reliable platforms for routine antibody testing. And, the study will examine response patterns, reliability of the respo nses, and Lethal Dose-50. The long-term objective of the study will be to develop a neuronal network-based, in vitro assay system that identifies and quantifies the presence of all Botulinum neurotoxin serotypes, to shorten the assay time, and to replace t he need for live mice as the assay element for the systematic screening of Botulinum neurotoxin serotype antibodies. A sole-source contract for the acquisition of scientific research and development services is contemplated. This synopsis provides notice t hat the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command intends to award a sole-source contract to the University of North Texas Center for Network Neuroscience at Denton, Texas, to perform a one-time study. The authority for negotiating this sole-source acqui sition is 10 USC 2304(c)(1)- Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy the agency's requirement, as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1(a)(2)(i)(A). This effort will rely upon the UNT Center for Network Ne uroscience's unique capability to provide the particular research services needed. This action is not open to allied participation. Since this acquisition is for scientific research services, the Government will not be using the procedures contained in Par t 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items. The proposed resulting contract is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. However, interested parties who believe that they can fu lfill this requirement without substantial duplication of cost to the Government are invited to submit a written narrative statement of their capability, including detailed technical information sufficient to permit agency analysis in order to determine it s bona fide capability to meet the Government's requirements. Responses without the required documentation will be considered nonresponsive. This information must be received not later than 17:30 hours local time on 29 July 2003, and must be delivered to t he U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Contracting and Acquisition Management Office, Chemical and Biological Operations Branch, 64 Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick, Maryland 21702-5041. Inquiries should be directed to the contract specialist, Mr. Harting, telephone number +1 (555) 000-0000, email address: contact@example.gov. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon receipt of responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Governmen t. All responsible sources that submit responses will be considered. This is NOT a formal notice soliciting proposals.