NAICS Code: 541710 The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Neuroscience Associates, 10915 Lake Ridge Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922 for providing histological examination of brain tissues. The contractor shall provide histological preparation of brain tissues from three experiments, two involving rate and one involving mouse brain embedding/sectioning. EPA believes that Neuroscience Associates is the only source capable of providing the required services based on their unique multi-brain technology in which up to 16 brains of separate animals can be simultaneously embedded, frozen sectioned throughout the entire brain and stained and their ability to provide analysis data consistent with data from previous studies. EPA has identified Neuroscience Associates as the only source with the necessary background and expertise to perform the required services within the prescribed time frame. The circumstance permitting "other than full and open competition" is FAR 6.302-1, "only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements." The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 541710, which has a size standard of 500 employees to qualify as a small business, is applicable. The intent of this notice is to determine if any other source(s) exist, and therefore, no solicitation (RFQ) is available. Consequently, any response failing to provide evidence of the aforementioned data and instead choosing to merely submit a routine letter requesting a copy of the RFQ will be ignored. Interested parties who can provide the required services may submit written qualifications fully explaining their capability no later than 15 days after the date of this publication. Submit responses via the Postal Service to US EPA, Attn: Jennifer Hill (D143-01), RTP Procurement Operations Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 or via courier service to US EPA, Attn: Jennifer Hill (D143-01), RTP Procurement Operations Division, 4930 Page Road, Durham, NC 27703. No telephonic or faxed request will be honored.

Bid Protests Not Available