99 -- Sole Source Notice-Chimpanzee Animal Husbandry

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT, NOT A REQUEST FOR A PROPOSAL. A SOLICIATION DOCUMENT WILL NOT BE ISSUED AND PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE REQUESTED. NIH intends to procure animal husbandry services for chimpanzees used in AIDS and other Biomedical Research on a sole source basis to the University of TX, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77730. The period of performance shall be for one twelve (12) month period, with options to renew for four (4) successive twelve (12) month periods. It is believe that MD Anderson is the sole source for this requirement under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 (Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services will Satisfy Agency Requirements) because of the below: The first two contracts for this requirement were awarded by full and open competition in September, 1988 and September, 1994 to the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The solicitation to contract 263-94-C-0028 was issued to ten (10) sources yet only one proposal was received which was from the incumbent contractor. The current contract was issued under Other than Full and Open Competition to the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (contract number NO2-OR-0-4021). As a result, the reasons for other than full and open competition include the need for continuity of operation of a chimpanzee holding colony including scientific continuity, psychological and social well-being of the animals. These are highly sensitive, intelligent and valuable research animals whose well-being and value to science must be foremost in consideration during the award process. Social housing is the most critical element for maintaining normal, species-typical chimpanzee behavior. Stable, socially-housed colonies must be maintained without compromising the health and well-being of the animals. Establishing compatible social groups often takes years. The chimps on this contract are members of compatible, stable social groups that have been together for 5 to 15 years. As groups mature, behavior staffs must use innovative methods to maintain a stable integrated research colony. Disruption of the social structure would significantly result in undue stress with potential resultant disease, morbidity, or mortality with resulting in loss of valuable research subjects and compromised experimental data. The contractor has the ability to provide training, psychological enrichment, scientific support, and to house chimpanzees in large, stable social groups in an indoor/outdoor environment. The contractor is committed to promoting the psychological well-being of the chimpanzees through a comprehensive environmental enrichment program and a positive reinforcement training program. Attached to this notice is the Draft Statement of Work. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit capability statements to the Contract Specialist by October 30, 2006 at 3PM EST. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. A determination by the NIH not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the NIH. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Address responses to the attention of Zedekiah J. Worsham at National Institutes of Health, 6011 Executive Blvd., Room 541E, MSC 7663, Rockville, MD 20852. The NAICS code for the procurement is 112990, and the business size is $750,000.See numbered Note 22.