THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO EXTEND CONTRACT HHSN273201300009C WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. This notice is being published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 5.201 and 5.204 requiring notice of a proposed contract action. This is NOT a request for competitive proposals. The statutory authority for this sole source action is 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1 - Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The NIEHS intends to issue a noncompetitive modification to Contract Number HHS273201300009C to extend the period of performance for a base period of three (3) months and three (3) one-month option periods with Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc. (ILS) for Genetic Toxicology Support. BACKGROUND Genetic toxicology characterization is a critical component of a comprehensive toxicological profile of a substance. Induction of genetic damage is associated with an elevated risk of cancer (genotoxicity has been designated as one of the 10 key characteristics of carcinogens), but genetic damage may also lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, somatic mutation leading to genetic disease (adult onset disease), mitochondrial damage, birth defects, and other adverse human health effects. Moreover, effects of induced genetic damage are not always manifest in the exposed individual, but may be revealed in subsequent generations (transgenerational effects). Thus, to fulfill the mission of the NTP in identifying environmental agents that pose a human health hazard, characterizing the genotoxicity of such agents is critical. JUSTIFICATION The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has a continuing requirement for genetic toxicology support. The current contract, HHSN273201300009C, will expire 6/5/2020, and due to the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, the contractor, although continuing to perform work under the contract, is experiencing unanticipated delays in their schedule of assignments to be completed prior to contract expiration. The social distancing requirements have resulted in slower performance of assignments than would have been the case if multiple people were able to work together in close proximity to one another, as was the standard procedure before social distancing requirements were implemented. Without extending the contract to allow for completion of these in-progress assignments, the work would be incomplete and result in a loss to the government in research results and expended government funds. In addition, a follow-on contract is currently being prepared and unavoidable delays in finalizing the award of the new contract are now anticipated due to the same coronavirus work-related restrictions impacting the government. Thus, even if the work assignments could be completed, it is unlikely that a follow-on award can be accomplished by the June 5, 2020 date to avoid a lapse in services. A contract extension will allow for the contractor to complete the assignments that may be delayed and to continue to provide uninterrupted genetic toxicology support to the NTP until the follow-on contract is awarded. Award of the follow-on contract is anticipated to occur by September 2020. Any contract action as described herein will be made in accordance with the required documentation and approval through a signed Justification and Approval (J&A) document. RESPONSES While this synopsis does not constitute a solicitation, interested vendors may identify their interest and capability to satisfy this requirement. The Government understands that Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc. (ILS) is the only contractor which can provide the requested Genetic Toxicology Support to NIEHS. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government's requirement may submit a written capabilities statement. The capabilities statement must contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill the requirement, and must be received within 15 days of this posting. Such documentation shall be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. NIEHS will not be responsible for any costs incurred by interested parties in responding to this notice. ONLY EMAIL RESPONSES WILL BE ACCEPTED. All questions and correspondence regarding this notice must be made in writing via email to
[email protected].