The statutory authority for this sole source acquisition is 10 U.S.C 2304(c)(1) in accordance with FAR Part 6.302-1- only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy the agency requirement. The NAICS code for this procurement is 325199, All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing. The period of performance for this procurement is 6 months.

B-glucuronidase is used in conjunction with our ph 6.4 phosphate buffer to break the glucuronide bonds present, since a significant amount of NNAL exists in the form NNAL-Gluc. B-glucuronidase is an essential component for hydrolysis in Total NNAL analysis. Therefore, no other products can replace B-glucuronidase in this validated method. MIP columns are customized to be used to extract tobacco-specific nitrosamines(TSNAs) based on the polymers made to have TSNA 3-D configurations. Therefore, no other products can replace MIP columns in the assay.  MIP columns are required in the method for the assay. This enzyme as well as MIP columns can only be purchased from Sigma Aldrich.

As a result of this synopsis, no competitive solicitation will be posted on FedBizOpps. We will issue only one solicitation to Sigma-Aldrich Corporation. However, all responsible sources that believe they can meet these requirements may submit their capabilities/qualifications statement to provide the services to Vallerie Redd via email ONLY at [email protected] with the solicitation number 49703 referenced in the subject line NO LATER THAN August 28, 2012.

A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action will be based on responses to this notice and are solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.