NON AFFILIATED MEMBERS OF THE ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: IAW FAR 5.101 this notice is to advise the public that The National Institutes of Health, Office of the Director intends to award a sole source, firm-fixed-price contract to Carroll Lambert, 5310 Henden Wood Lane, Frederick, MD 21703 for a base year plus four 12 month option years in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), only one source is reasonably available, and under authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency needs. The National Eye Institute (NEI) has a requirement for a non-affiliated member of the Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC). According to US Code Title 7-Agriculture, Chapter 54-Transportation, Sale, and Handling of Certain Animals (Regulations promulgated by the Animal Welfare Act), and the Public Health Service Policy on Human Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Policy promulgated by the Health Research Extension Act of 1985, Public Law 99-158), each law requires the Chief, Institutional Official to appoint one or more members of the institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) that is not affiliated with the institution except as a member of the committee. This member is intended to provide representation for general community interests in the proper care and treatment of animals. Therefore, the NEI has chosen Ms. Carroll Lambert as one of their non-affiliated members. Primary responsibilities include active participation in scheduled NEI ACUC meetings, during which she will engage in the comprehensive review of Animal Study Proposals (ASPs), semiannual reports, standard operating procedures, guidelines, and other relevant materials outlined in the assigned meeting agenda. Beyond these meetings, Ms. Lambert will also participate in inspections of NIH laboratory animal housing facilities where NEI laboratory animals are housed. Additionally, as opportunities arise, she will attend pertinent classes and conferences to stay informed about the dynamic landscape of the industry. Ms. Lambert's role encompasses the thorough examination of all submissions related to animal use within the NEI that are presented for approval to the NEI ACUC. These submissions may include, but are not limited to, animal study proposals, amendments, standard operating procedures, and guidelines. She is expected to provide insightful comments and evaluations during the monthly meetings. As a full voting member of the NEI ACUC, Ms. Lambert holds a unique responsibility: ensuring that the 'objectives' section of animal study proposals is communicated in a manner accessible to the non-scientific public. One week prior to each meeting, Ms. Lambert will receive the NEI ACUC agenda along with copies of the submissions scheduled for review. It is her duty to thoroughly assess the content beforehand and come prepared to evaluate and comment on the submitted ASPs, as well as any other pertinent documents and issues brought before the committee. This comprehensive approach underscores Ms. Lambert's vital role in upholding the ethical standards and best practices associated with the use of animals within the NEI, contributing to the NEI ACUC's commitment to the welfare of laboratory animals and the advancement of responsible research practices. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS or QUOTATIONS. Responsible sources may identify their interest by submitting capability information that clearly demonstrates the capability to perform the required work. Capability information is required by 10 AM ET, Friday, March 15, 2024 to establish the ability of the source to meet this requirement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The Government will not be responsible for any costs associated with the preparation of responses to this notification. All inquiries and submittals must be sent via email to Ms. Van Holley, Contract Specialist, [email protected]. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.