Notice of Intent to Negotiate Solely with BioGX, Inc.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) intends to negotiate solely with BioGx, Inc., located at 1500 1st Ave North Suite L-123, Birmingham, AL 35203-0000, to obtain fifty (50) quantity Lyophilized E.Coli Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Bead Kits sold under Product Item Number BioGX 202-0004 (Cepheid 900-0004). BioGX, Inc. is the only known source which can provide the required bead kits. The procedure for PCR amplification E. coli O157:H7 (which is outlined in the FERN-MIC-0003.00) requires the use of lyophilized beads containing specific primers and reagents. See the attached document for more detailed specifications on the bead kits. The beads are not made by any other manufacturer. These beads are only produced by BioGX inc. in partnership with Cepheid. They are produced specifically for the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) for the analysis of E. coli O157:H7 in regulated products. BioGX is the sole producer of these unique kits and accessories. This procurement will be conducted under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Authority: 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1). The bead kits will be delivered to the FERN lab in Athens, GA. This is not a request for quotations or an announcement of a forthcoming solicitation. Request for copies of this solicitation will not be honored or acknowledged. The Government does not intend to pay for information received. All interested parties must respond within ten (10) calendar days from the date of this notice. Written responses must provide clear and concise documentation indicating your firms capability to provide the proprietary maintenance services. Verbal responses are not acceptable and will not be considered. When responding to this announcement, respondents should refer to Announcement 208586. If after September 7, 2008, no viable responses have been received in response to this announcement, USDA/FSIS shall negotiate solely with BioGX, Inc.