--ORGANOPHOSAHTE HYDROLASE

The US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) plans to enter into a sole source negotiation with Texas A&M University's Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics for the purchase of 500mg of wild type organophosphate hydrolase. This enzyme will be utilized in in vivo testing to evaluate its effectiveness as a protective bioscavenger in animals. The supplies are intended for use by the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) at Fort Detrick. The sole source justification is based on the specific expertise Texas A&M possesses in post-purification modifications of enzymes relevant to DTRE-funded projects, ensuring continuity and specialized knowledge critical to the research objectives. No solicitation package will be issued as this is not a request for competitive bids, though responses received by September 24, 2008, will be considered as part of the Government's discretion in deciding whether to proceed competitively. The procurement will follow authority under 41 U.S.C. 253(c), highlighting the non-competitive nature of the acquisition due to the unique qualifications required. The contract is identified under solicitation number W81XWH80735001, with the applicable NAICS code 611310, relating to higher education services, further emphasizing the academic and research-focused nature of the work.