A--VA Office of Research and Development Continuation of Animal Laboratory Research Accreditation Services

Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International The VHA Office of Research and Development intends to exercise option year one of its sole source contract with the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International (AAALAC), 11300 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD, 20852, pursuant to FAR 6.302-1; for the continued acquisition of animal research accreditation services for the VA's independent animal research programs. This standardization of animal research program accreditation is required to meet the standards of the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Public Law 99-158). AAALAC accreditation of its animal research program is an ongoing requirement which meets both Federal and VHA Policy. This notice of Intent is NOT a request for competitive proposals. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to meet this sole source requirement by contacting the Contracting Office no later than Tuesday, January 22, 2013, 1:00 p.m. (EST). Interest/capability statements may be sent to Paula Stankovic at [email protected]. No telephone responses will be accepted. It is the Government's belief that at this time, only one source is capable of continuing to provide this accreditation in order to satisfy agency requirements. VHA will consider any and all interest & capability statements received; however, the final determination by the Government not to compete this proposed procurement is solely within its discretion.