R--Operation and Maintenance of the NHEERL-RTP Animal Facilities in RTP, NC.

NA The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory/RTP, NC, is seeking qualified 8(a) sources for research animal colony support. This support includes operating and maintaining the Research Animal Colony support facilities, laboratory animal care, cage washing and sanitizing, technical assistance and quality control/quality assurance necessary to conduct all animal related research projects required by EPA scientists. The EPA research facilities are housed in two separate buildings totaling 43,700 square feet at the main campus and 9,700 square feet at a remote site approximately 3 miles from the main campus. The annual estimate of animal population is approximately 30,000 animals consisting of rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and reptiles. The total number of animal cages currently sanitized on a weekly basis averages 15,000 to 22,000. The total number of incoming animals currently averages 2,600 per month. The EPA anticipates awarding a firm fixed-price contract from this solicitation. A twelve-month base year with four twelve-month option periods is anticipated. NAICS code 541710 applies with a size standard of 500 employees. To be eligible for consideration firms are required to provide (1) written certification/verification of current participation in the 8(a) program; and (2) written certification/verification of compliance with 8(a) competitive mix requirements verified by the appropriate assistant director for minority enterprise development of the cognizant district offices. The solicitation is expected to be issued on or about 04/19/04, with proposals due approximately 30 calendar days after RFP issuance date. A pre-proposal conference on-site at EPA's RTP, NC facility is tentatively scheduled for April 29, 2004. The solicitation and amendments will be available at http://www.epa.gov/oam/rtp_cmd.