Laboratory testing for cementum age and tetracycline biomarker analysis

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services (WS) Poland, Ohio intends to award a sole source contract to Matson's Laboratory LLC. The requirement is for laboratory testing for cementum age and tetracycline biomarker analysis of raccoon and skunk teeth as part of monitoring activities for the National Rabies Management Program's oral rabies vaccination efforts. Aging of raccoon and skunk teeth is necessary for population structure information to make informed rabies management decisions. Tetracycline biomarker analysis of teeth is necessary for determining if raccoons and skunks ate the oral rabies vaccine bait distributed by USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services in Ohio. The analysis provided by Matson's Laboratory is unique and specialized for the testing of biomarkers and age in mammalian species within the United States. Both aging and biomarker analysis are critical components to the success of wildlife rabies management in the United States. Therefore, this sole source award is being made to pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other service will satisfy agency requirements due to the substantial duplication in cost that would not be recovered through competition if the Government were to award to a different contractor. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Simplified procurement procedures will be used as well as commercial item acquisition regulations per FAR12. Number note 22 applies. Any inquires for this acquisition must be submitted in writing to the attention of Leigh Eberhart at [email protected] The NACIS Code for this acquisition is 541690 with a size standard of $7 million dollars.