The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), located in Bethesda, MD, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Marshall Bioresources, located in North Rose, NY for 56 Gottingen Mini pigs which will be used for medical research.

These animals will be procured in accordance with the procedures of FAR Part 12-Commercial Items and FAR Part 13-Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

Sole source determination is made in accordance with:

FAR Part 13.106-1 Soliciting Competition
(b) Soliciting from a single source
(1) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available.

The mission of USU is to provide the highest quality education programs in the health sciences to those selected individuals who demonstrate dedication to a health profession career in the Uniformed Services. As such, it is essential USU provide the necessary training and equipment required for our students to become successful doctors and nurses and to be able to provide the best care possible for our soldiers and to support our research efforts.

For the past 4 years we have used the Gottingen mini pig to study acute radiation injury. The Gottingen Mini pigs at 4-5 month old weigh about 22 pounds with a width of about 5.5 inches. The Gottingen Mini pig is the smallest mini pig available with limited breeding, high quality microbiological genetic background. For consistency of results, good quality science and to avoid unnecessary experimental repetition, it is imperative that for our studies we continue to use the same strain of mini pigs that we have studies so far. Other strains have different hematological properties and radio-sensitivities. The animals are barrier bred and raised in a special state-of the-art barrier production facilities, and therefore free from any porcine infectious bacterial, viral, or parasitic diseases. In addition, mini pigs other than the Gottingen Mini pigs weigh well above 100 pounds and we do not have the space to house larger animals.

Marshall Bioresources is the only know source that can provided the requested animals.

This is not a request for quotes and a solicitation package will not be issued. Sources interested in responding to this requirement must be able to provide compelling evidence that they can provide the abovementioned requirement as specified. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contractual action based upon responses received is solely within the discretion of the government. Responses must be received via email ([email protected]) by 10:00 p.m. EST on February 17, 2013.

Bid Protests Not Available