Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Sinclair Miniature Swine

This notice announces the intent by the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) in support of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) to procure research swine to include Sinclair, Hanford, and Yucatan models without competition as prescribed in FAR 13.106-1. Specifically, the Government intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Sinclair Bio-Resources LCC, 562 State Road, Auxvasse, MO 65231-1012. The objective of this single award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) requirement is to purchase Sinclair, Hansford and Yucatan Miniature Swine and related services (i.e. vascular catheterization, device implants, EEG/EKGs, tattoos, x-rays, sling training, etc.) for research studies being performed at USAISR. The ability to compare current experimental data with historical data is imperative to the scientific process. The contemplated award will support these ongoing research protocols. Sinclair Bio-Resources is uniquely qualified to provide the Sinclair model of miniature swine used in these ongoing studies. In order to maintain the merit and validity of scientific research, lab-quality animals, Sinclair, Hansford and Yucatan Minipigs, are needed from Sinclair Bio-Resources. Research results and the long history of research based on Sinclair-bred Sinclair Miniature swine would be compromised with the introduction of swine from another source and herd. To change this model of miniature swine with another vendor's model would add variables to the research dramatically affecting the research, its results and contrasting beyond scientific explanation with historical data. The only way to compare future research results is to use the same model. Sinclair Bio-Resources has been identified as the only supplier of the Sinclair Miniature Swine that can meet the USAISR research requirements. Therefore, no substitutions are allowed due to the species-specific characteristics of data being collected to maintain data and research integrity. The only way to control the effects of genetic variability and ensure valid experimental data is to procure animals supplied by Sinclair Bio-Resources that were used on previous protocols and are being used for four current protocols. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement is 112990 and FSC 8820. Proposed solicitation number: W81XWH21Q0077. This announcement fulfills the synopsis requirements under FAR 5.102(a)(6) and 5.203(a). USAMRAA intends to publish a solicitation no sooner than 15 days after publishing this synopsis. This Special Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive quotes. Information received in response to this notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether a competitive procurement is in the best interest of the Government. If no written responses are received by the date listed below, which reflects at least fifteen (15) days after the publication of this notice, the solicitation will be issued as brand name sole source only. All questions and responses concerning this notice shall be emailed to Mr Jeffrey Sprecher at Jeffrey.b.sprecher.civ@mail.mil. Interested concerns must identify their capability in writing to the above email address listed above no later than 5:00 PM ET, 17 March 2021.