The North American industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 541380 and the business size standard is 15.5M. It has been determined that Dartmouth College, is the only known responsible source capable of providing this service and no other service will satisfy the agency's requirements.

The purpose of this purchase order is to test cadmium and other trace element levels in toenails. Testing for cadmium and 13 other trace elements (arsenic, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, selenium, molybdenum, tin, antimony, mercury, lead) in both toenail and urine samples by validated methods is needed for this research study of environmental risk factors for young-onset breast cancer.

The design of this project was developed through collaboration with the team at Dartmouth, who are very highly regarded in the area of trace elements epidemiology. The ability to maintain continuity of experimental procedures is crucial to the success of the Division of Intramural Research's mission to the NIEHS, RTP, NC.

This notice of intent is not a solicitation or request for quotes. Notwithstanding, any firm that believes it is capable of meeting NIEHS' requirement, as stated herein, may submit their corporate capabilities, which, if received by the response date of this announcement, may be considered. Responses to this posting must be in writing and shall be emailed to Valarie K. Sims at [email protected] and are due by 10:00 AM on January 6, 2017. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future.