Notice of Intent to Sole Source for DNA Barcoding of Feral Swine Fecal Samples

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center (WS NWRC) intends to issue a noncompetitive contract to Jonah Ventures LLC, 1908 Bluehills Rd., Manhattan, KS 66502 for laboratory services. Services will involve conducting DNA barcoding on fecal samples from feral swine using the contractor's proprietary bioinformatics pipelines and reference database of diet species to determine the animal's diet. The ability to query the DNA sequence returned from the submitted fecal sample against this proprietary database to ensure continuity of scientific data (from a previously collected study to the proposed study) represents the unique service that can only be provided by one source. See attached Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all responsible sources may submit a response which shall be considered by the agency. Responses must be submitted by email to Lisa Draves at [email protected] no later than 11 a.m. (CST) on August 22, 2017. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Respondents should ensure the information provided is detailed, current, accurate, and complete. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.