65--RABIES BAIT

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) , Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services (WS), Gainesville, Florida, intends to issue a sole source purchase order with Merial Limited for 30,240 boxes of Raccoon Rabies Bait. The proposed contract action is for supplies for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all proposals received within after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Simplified procurement procedures will be used as well as commercial item acquisition regulations per FAR 12. This solicitation document incorporates provisions and clauses which are in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-26. Applicable FAR clauses are incorporated by reference: Prompt Payment 52.249-1; Fixed price 52.243-1; Evaluation-Commercial Items 52.202-2; Offeror Representations and Certifications 52.212-3; Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items 52.212-4; Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items 52.212-5. For additional information please contact Joanne Mann, at (612) 370-2241.