The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division, on behalf of the Biochemical Science Division, within the Advanced Chemical Science Laboratory, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis under the authority of 41 USC 253 (c)(1), with Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. (CBI) of Richmond, VA, for materials acquisition for production of a DNA Sequence Library Standard Reference Material (SRM) . This requirement is a follow-on to work completed under competitively awarded purchase order number SB1341-06-N-1397. Work under this requirement will support a standards development project with the DNA Microarray Community, as it is represented in the External RNA Control Consortium (ERCC). The ERCC is performing a collaborative study to identify suitable elements from a library of controls. The previously awarded purchase order enabled NIST to supply materials for this study. The solicitation which preceeded purchase order number SB1341-06-N-1397 referenced the requirement for follow-on work. This project is that follow-on work. NIST cites FAR 6.302-1(a)(ii)(A) and (B) (see excerpt below) as primary rationale for Sole Source Determination. (ii) Supplies may be deemed to be available only from the original source in the case of a follow-on contract for the continued development or production of a major system or highly specialized equipment, including major components thereof, when it is likely that award to any other source would result in? (A) Substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition, or (B) Unacceptable delays fulfilling the agency?s requirements. (See 10 U.S.C. 2304(d)(1)(B) or 41 U.S.C. 253 (d)(1)(B) Commwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. is uniquely qualified to complete this follow-on project. CBI successfully completed work under the previously stated purchase order. As such, they have developed a technical work process for transcribing RNA from the DNA library, which NIST intends to adopt as a use-process for this standard reference material (SRM). Continuity of design and development for this work process is essential for the highest quality materials. CBI is the only vendor who has this unique knowledge and can ensure continuity. In addition, to work with an alternate vendor would cause the Government to incur additional costs estimated at $20,000.00 for packaging and shipping of product, transfer and validation of materials, and validation of work processes. This work has been completed by CBI under the current purchase order. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 333999, and the size standard is 500 employees. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations, however, responses received by July 31, 2007, will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

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