Q--RESEARCH DIAMYD PROJECT

The Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 11, plans to enter into a sole source contract with Diamyd, Inc., located in Pittsburgh, PA, under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, indicating that only this contractor can fulfill the agency's requirement for a specific herpes simplex virus-based vector expressing glutamic acid decarboxylase. This vector is intended for use in a clinical trial focusing on patients suffering from painful diabetic neuropathy. The contract falls under NAICS code 541711, with a small business size standard of 500 employees. Diamyd, Inc. will be responsible for providing all necessary materials, labor, supervision, and technical support to supply the vector to the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System in Michigan, with the contract period starting from the date of award through September 30, 2010, and including one optional one-year extension. This notice serves exclusively as an announcement of intent and not as a solicitation for proposals or offers. There is no solicitation package available, and the determination to forego competition rests solely with the Government. Interested parties wishing to contest the sole source determination must provide compelling evidence demonstrating the advantage of competition to the Government by the deadline of August 23, 2010, at 3:30 pm. All responses must be submitted via mail to the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, addressed to Thomas Auten, Purchasing and Contracting. No phone or email inquiries will be entertained regarding this matter.